Identifying Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that affects many millions of people all over the world. It can usually be successfully treated and in most cases, individuals are able to lead healthy lives, but it is important to properly diagnose diabetes as quickly as possible.

What is Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes, but they both affect the way that the body produces and uses insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and is used by the body to turn food, like sugar, into energy. In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin and this means that your blood sugar is not properly handled. Type 2 diabetes, is distinguished by a resistance to the effects of insulin, but, like Type 1 diabetes, and also involves a reduction in the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas.

Symptoms

Knowing and recognizing the symptoms of diabetes are very important, because an un-diagnosed case of diabetes can result in death or serious injury. Sluggishness, extreme fatigue, excessive thirst, increased urination, and blurry vision are some of the more common signs of diabetes. Slow healing wounds are also often a characteristic and can result in serious complications, such as amputation, in those affected by diabetes. Usually those that are affected by Type 1 diabetes will notice that the symptoms set in very quickly, often in only a few weeks.

Those that have Type 2 diabetes might not notice the symptoms, because they set in much slower and can often be very subtle. Often in these cases diabetes is not detected until a serious health problem occurs. This includes strokes, heart attacks, foot ulcers, and fungal infections, which are often caused by untreated diabetes. Other conditions, like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and pancreatitis can also be indications of diabetes.

Treatment

It is a good idea to be screened periodically for diabetes, but for people who are overweight or those that have experienced the symptoms stated above, it is imperative to have a blood screening. There are several different tests, but they generally involve glucose monitoring.

The type of treatment prescribed will vary and depends on the type of diabetes the patient has. Generally those that have Type 1 diabetes use a type of insulin replacement treatment. This involves constant measuring of the blood glucose levels and then injecting insulin as needed. Some people use insulin pumps instead of shots. Insulin pumps are devices that attach to the body and administer doses of insulin automatically.

People who have Type 2 diabetes are generally not able to inject insulin and it is usually dangerous to do so, because their body does not properly use it. Proper diet and exercise, while also important for Type 1 diabetes, is essential for those who have Type 2 diabetes. In large part maintaining a healthy diet and regularly exercising can control Type 2 diabetes. There are also several drugs that are used to increase the bodies absorption of insulin or glucose.

Diabetes is a disease that can, in most cases, be treated, but it is essential to diagnose it as early as possible.



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