Diabetes Mellitus can be defined as chronic hyperglycemia
(excess sugar in the blood) because of reduced insulin in the body or the resistance of the body to insulin. Insulin is the hormone in the body that
regulates the storage and release of energy gotten from food. Insulin encourages the entry of glucose into cells.
Diabetes, like hypertension, is a silent killer because people sometimes
are unaware that they have this disease until there are complications. However,
there are symptoms of this disease some of which are listed
below and shouldn't be ignored.
Diabetes, like hypertension, is a silent killer because people sometimes
are unaware that they have this disease until there are complications. However,
there are symptoms of this disease some of which are listed
below and shouldn't be ignored.
Frequent urination
This may occur when there is too much glucose
in the blood. When this happens, the kidneys draw extra water out of the blood
to dilute the glucose thus producing more urine.
Always thirsty
If you are drinking more water than you usually do
accompanied by frequent urination, it may be a sign of diabetes.
Thirst is caused by dehydration in the body.
Weight loss
When the body cells are not getting enough glucose
because of deficient insulin, the body starts to break down fat and muscle to
get energy this is more common in type I diabetes because the pancreas stops
making insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the weight loss may be gradual.
Weakness and fatigue
This is also because of excess sugar in the blood
which doesn't get into the cells depriving them of energy.
Cuts and wounds that take a long time to heal
The excess sugar in the blood damages
the blood vessels reducing their ability to transport needed nutrients to
injured areas
.
These symptoms may indicate diabetes so if you notice any or all of these
symptoms, visit your doctor for proper evaluation.
