The signs of diabetes may be confusing. Not all the common symptoms are present is each case of diabetes. Symptoms may appear and disappear. Other problems can produce similar symptoms. Despite these factors, diabetes is usually marked by some common signs.
Unusually frequent urination is one of the classic symptoms that suggests the possibility of diabetes. One defining attribute of the disease is excessive glucose levels in the blood. Either the body produces too little insulin to deal with it (Type 1 diabetes), or the insulin isn’t used correctly (Type 2).
The body attempts to compensate by eliminating the excess glucose using the urine. The kidneys work at higher than normal levels to filter out the excess sugar. When they can’t remove enough, the remainder is passed through when other fluids are eliminated as waste products of metabolic processes.
One result, and an accompanying symptom, is excessive thirst. The diabetic feels as if he or she is always thirsty, and no matter how much fluid is taken in it never seems like enough. That in turn prompts still more urination.
Another common and possible symptom is continual fatigue. Since insulin isn’t performing its role properly by aiding the cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream, the diabetic may feel tired. Glucose is the major source of energy for powering an enormous variety of the body’s functions from cell repair to major muscle movement.
Diabetes can also affect other body systems, causing various symptoms.
Distorted vision can be caused by many causes, including age. Normal aging leads to presbyopia-the decreased elasticity of the lenses. Presbyopia makes it difficult to focus. However, diabetes related-eye problems are different than normal age-related vision difficulties.
In diabetes, high blood glucose levels decrease the fluid in all the tissues, especially in the lenses. This impedes focusing. New blood vessels form in the retina as diabetes advances and can severely impair vision, causing spots or flashing lights in the visual field. Rings can appear around lights.
Diabetes can also affect wound healing. Cuts, especially on the feet may heal more slowly in a person with Type 2 diabetes. Scientists don’t clearly understand the reasons for this problem, but can be another symptom. In addition, the immune system is weakened and cannot fight infection as well.
See a physician if you suspect you have diabetes. Don’t try to self-diagnosis. The symptoms of diabetes can be easily due to some other condition. Blood tests are needed for an accurate diagnosis. Fortunately, your insurance policy will likely pay for these simple tests.