Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood due to the body’s inability to produce or use insulin effectively.
When left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications such as nerve damage, blindness, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and amputations.
Types of Diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes:.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, usually first develops in children and young adults.
In this type of diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in little to no insulin production. People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections to survive.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. It usually develops in people over the age of 45, although it is becoming increasingly common in younger people.
In this type of diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin or produces insufficient amounts of insulin. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and physical inactivity increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy and usually disappears after delivery. However, women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Warning Signs of Diabetes
The warning signs of diabetes may vary depending on the type of diabetes and the severity of the condition. Some common signs and symptoms of diabetes include:.
Frequent Urination
High levels of glucose in the blood can cause the kidneys to work harder to filter the excess sugar, leading to frequent urination.
Increased Thirst
As a result of frequent urination, people with diabetes may experience increased thirst (polydipsia) to compensate for the fluid loss.
Unexplained Weight Loss
People with type 1 diabetes may experience unexplained weight loss due to the body breaking down fat and muscle tissue for energy when it cannot use glucose effectively.
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Body Signals That Predict Diabetes
This is because insulin is necessary for the body to absorb glucose from the blood.
Increased Hunger
As the body’s cells cannot absorb glucose effectively, people with diabetes may experience increased hunger (polyphagia) as the body’s cells are starved of energy.
Fatigue
High levels of glucose in the blood can make people with diabetes feel fatigued and weak as their body cannot use glucose effectively for energy.
Blurred Vision
High levels of glucose in the blood can cause the lens of the eye to swell, leading to blurred vision. This is often one of the first signs of diabetes.
Numbness or Tingling in Hands or Feet
Over time, high levels of glucose in the blood can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. This is known as diabetic neuropathy.
Slow Healing of Cuts and Wounds
High levels of glucose in the blood can impair the body’s ability to heal cuts and wounds, making them slower to heal.
Frequent Infections
High levels of glucose in the blood can compromise the immune system, making people with diabetes more prone to infections such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and skin infections.
Dark Patches on the Skin
People with type 2 diabetes may develop dark, velvety patches of skin on the neck, armpits, and groin. This is known as acanthosis nigricans and is a sign of insulin resistance.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience any of the above warning signs of diabetes, it is important to seek medical help. A physician can perform a blood test to determine your blood sugar levels and diagnose diabetes.
Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes are crucial in preventing serious health complications.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious chronic illness that requires lifelong management. Recognizing the warning signs of diabetes and seeking medical help early is crucial in preventing serious health complications.
Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and blood glucose monitoring can help manage diabetes and prevent complications.
