Diabetes Care
Diabetes mellitus is a collection of disorders that alter how the body utilizes blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is a key source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and tissues. It is also the brain’s primary source of fuel.
The primary cause of diabetes differs depending on the kind. However, regardless of the kind of diabetes you have, it may result in an excess of sugar in your blood. Too much sugar in the blood may cause major health complications.
Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are examples of chronic diabetic conditions. Prediabetes and gestational diabetes are two potentially reversible diabetes disorders. Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than usual. However, the blood sugar levels are not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. And unless actions are made to avoid it, prediabetes may progress to diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs throughout pregnancy. However, it may fade away once the baby is delivered.
Symptoms
Diabetes symptoms are determined by how high your blood sugar is. Some individuals may not experience symptoms, particularly if they have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often appear fast and are more severe.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms include:
- I’m thirstier than normal.
- Urinating often
- Losing weight without trying.
- Ketones in the urine Ketones are a consequence of muscle and fat breakdown when there is insufficient insulin available.
- I’m exhausted and weak.
- Feeling irritated or experiencing other mood swings.
- Having foggy eyesight.
- Having slow-healing sores
- Having a lot of infections, such as gum, skin, and vaginal infections.
Type 1 diabetes may occur at any age. However, it often begins throughout infancy or adolescence. Kind 2 diabetes, the most prevalent type, may occur at any age. Type 2 diabetes is more frequent in adults over the age of 40.
When to See a Doctor
If you believe you or your kid may have diabetes. Contact your doctor if you detect any diabetic symptoms. The earlier the problem is detected, the sooner therapy may begin. If you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes. You’ll require constant medical monitoring after your diagnosis until your blood sugar levels settle.
Diabetes symptoms: When diabetes symptoms are a concern
Diabetes symptoms are often mild. Here’s what to check for – and when to call your doctor. Millions of individuals in the United States have diabetes yet are unaware of it. Early indications of diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, are not usually visible. In fact, signs and symptoms may appear so gradually that patients may have type 2 diabetes for years before being recognized.
- However, if you detect any of the following signs and symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor:
- increased thirst and urination
- Fatigue
- Vision blur
- Unexpected weight loss
- increased hunger
- Slow-healing wounds and frequent infections
- Red, swollen gums
- Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
Understanding probable diabetes symptoms may lead to early diagnosis and treatment, which can help you avoid diabetic complications and lead to a lifetime of improved health.
Excessive thirst and excessive urination
Diabetes signs and symptoms include excessive thirst and increased urination. Excess glucose — a form of sugar — accumulates in your blood when you have diabetes. Your kidneys are forced to work extra to filter and absorb the excess glucose.
When your kidneys can’t keep up, the extra glucose is expelled in your urine, drawing fluids from your tissues with it, leaving you dehydrated. This frequently leaves you thirsty. You will urinate more when you consume more drinks to satiate your thirst.
Fatigue
Diabetes might make you sleepy. High blood glucose levels impede your body’s capacity to utilise glucose for energy. Dehydration from frequent urination might also make you feel tired.
Weight loss
When you lose glucose via frequent urine, you also lose calories. At the same time, diabetes may prevent glucose from reaching your cells, resulting in persistent hunger. The combined action has the potential to promote fast weight loss, particularly in those with type 1 diabetes.
Vision blur
Diabetes symptoms may occasionally impair your eyesight. High levels of blood glucose draw fluid from your tissues, including your eyes’ lenses. This has an impact on your capacity to concentrate.
Diabetes, if left untreated, may cause new blood vessels to grow in your retina (the rear portion of your eye) and damage existing vessels. These early modifications do not create visual difficulties in the majority of individuals. However, if these alterations go unnoticed, they might result in vision loss and blindness.
Sores that take a long time to heal or are prone to infection
High blood glucose levels might cause poor blood flow and interfere with your body’s natural healing process. As a result, diabetics may get slow-healing ulcers, particularly on their feet. Diabetes might increase the likelihood of bladder and vaginal yeast infections.
Tingling hands and feet
Too much glucose in your bloodstream might impair neuron function. You may have tingling and lack of feeling (numbness) in your hands and feet, as well as scorching pain in your arms, hands, legs, and feet.
Contact EP Family Doctor if you detect any diabetic signs or symptoms. Diabetes is a severe ailment, and the sooner it is recognized, the sooner treatment can begin. With your active involvement and the help of your health care team, you can control diabetes and live an active, healthy life.
