Diabetes Symptoms

Early detection and treatment of diabetes symptoms are important because of the serious health complications that could happen. Every year, many Australians are getting diagnosed with diabetes, while many are still not aware that they already have it. With early detection and treatment, a person can make informed health decisions about addressing these symptoms and avoid complications.

Diabetes is a chronic illness where the body could not regulate blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes happens when the pancreas does not produce insulin. It is a hormone responsible for transporting glucose from the bloodstream and into the cells that use it as fuel. People who suffer from type 1 diabetes depend on insulin every day and must test their blood sugar levels several times throughout the day. Without it, their body will burn its own fats and undergo the state of ketoacidosis, where dangerous chemicals (ketones) accumulate in the blood.

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin as the pancreas could no longer produce them, and glucose builds up in the bloodstream. This leads to various symptoms and life-threatening health conditions.

Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Excessive thirst or polydipsia. This happens when glucose becomes extremely concentrated on the bloodstream and the kidney could not pull it out from the water. This causes the buildup of osmotic pressure (the pressure that builds between a liquid with a high concentration of solutes and a liquid with a low concentration), and water is no longer absorbed back into the body, which could cause dehydration.

Increased and frequent urination or polyuria. As the body could not process sugar properly, the excess sugar causes more fluids to pass through the kidneys, causing frequent urination. This symptom could also lead to loss of bladder control, resulting in leaking urine and urinary tract infections (UTI).

Constant hunger or polyphagia. As the body experiences, the lack of or resistance to insulin, glucose from the blood cannot enter the cells and the body cannot convert it energy, either. This lack of energy causes constant hunger.

Fatigue. If the blood sugar level is high, the blood becomes “sludgy”. This slows down circulation and cells cannot get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Meanwhile, if the blood sugar level is low, there is not enough fuel for the cells to work well.

Blurred vision. This happens as high blood sugar levels cause the lens of the eye to be swollen, affecting one’s vision.

Cuts or sores that do not heal properly. When the blood sugar is high, it causes slower blood circulation, prevents nutrients and oxygen from energising the cell, increases inflammation in the body’s cells, and prevents the immune system from functioning properly.

Frequent infections. High blood sugar levels encourage the growth of some bacteria and yeast. It can also cause poor blood circulation that makes it hard for the body to fight infection and compromise the immune system.

Weight loss. This occurs when, in the absence of glucose in the bloodstream in type 1 diabetes, the body starts burning fat and muscle for energy, which results in sudden weight loss.

Headaches. When blood glucose levels fluctuate, it could due to changing hormone levels that may constrict the blood vessels in the brain, or vasoconstriction.

Concerned you might have diabetes? The team at Ubuntu Medical Stafford can help you. Call us today on (07) 3857 3777.

 

At Ubuntu Medical we also help with kidney problems.