The symptoms of diabetes are a result of the accumulation of glucose in the blood. The symptoms may be apparent years after the onset of the disease. As a result, this disease is generally diagnosed at a much later stage. The earlier diabetes is detected, the easier it is to keep the blood sugar levels under control and to prevent the long-term complications of the disease.
The signs of both Type1 and Type 2 diabetes are very similar. The only difference is that in Type 1, all the symptoms may appear within a short span of time while in Type 2, they manifest themselves in a more gradual manner.
The most common symptoms of diabetes are described below:
• Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia):
As the glucose levels in the blood increase, it pulls water out from the tissues in an attempt to dilute the glucose. This makes you feel dehydrated. As a result you feel the need to drink water more often.
• Frequent Urination (Polyuria)
When the concentration of sugar in the blood increases, the body tries to get rid of it through urine. Consequently, you feel like urinating more often. Since your intake of water increases due to the increased thirst, the quantum of water in your body will also increase. This leads to frequent urination.
• Increased Hunger (Polyphegia)
The cells derive energy from the glucose produced by the body from the food that we consume. Insulin enables glucose to be transferred from the blood to the cells. In both the types of diabetes, the cells of the body are unable to get the glucose due to the lack of insulin. Consequently, tissues are starved for energy, which results in the feeling of hunger.
• Weight Loss
When the cells of the body do not get enough glucose, they begin to break down the fat and muscle tissues for energy. Thus, you tend to lose weight.
• Weakness, Fatigue And Irritability
When the cells begin to convert fat into energy, it requires more energy. This enhanced requirement of energy leaves you feeling tired and weak. As a result of the fatigue, you tend to feel more irritable.
• Headaches And Dizziness
Headaches and dizziness are a consequence of the inadequate supply of blood sugar to the brain.
• Slow Healing Of Wounds
Diabetes results in the hampering of the performance of the white blood cells. White blood cells form the foundation of the immune system. Consequently, when the body gets injured, the immune system is unable to repair the wound as quickly as it usually would.
• Frequent Infections
Another fallout of the improper functioning of the immune system is the occurrence of frequent infections such as urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, bladder infections and skin infections.
• Blurred Vision
At times, diabetes is diagnosed when patients complain of blurred vision. This takes place as the high levels of sugar in the blood causes the fluids of the tissues to be drawn out. When this phenomenon occurs in the lenses of the eyes, it results in an inability of the eyes to focus properly.
• Tingling Or Numbness In Your Hands, Legs Or Feet
Tingling or numbness in your limbs is a result of the degeneration of the nervous system. This is caused by exposure to high blood glucose levels.
You should be alert and consult a doctor as soon as possible if you suffer from any or all of the above symptoms.