Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high sugar levels in the blood due to insufficient production of insulin or ineffective utilization by the body. Early recognition and prompt management of diabetes are critical to preventing complications. In this article, we shall see the various indicators of diabetes in patients. However, it must be noted that while these symptoms may be suggestive, a definitive diagnosis can only be made by a healthcare professional after appropriate tests.
Excessive Urination: One of the most common symptoms experienced by diabetics is frequent urination, medically referred to as polyuria. High blood glucose levels hamper the kidneys’ ability to reabsorb water, leading to increased urine output. Diabetics may find themselves frequently visiting the toilet, especially during the night. This is because the body tries to get rid of the extra sugar through urine.[1]
Excessive Thirst: Polyuria is often accompanied by another prominent symptom of diabetes called excessive thirst, or polydipsia. The frequent urination leads to loss of fluid from the body, which can result in dehydration. In order to compensate for the lost fluids, a person feels an incessant urge to drink water or other liquids. If you notice that you’re feeling extremely thirsty and no matter how much fluid you take, it keeps coming back, it could be an indication of diabetes.
Unexplained Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling of fatigue and weakness, without a logical etymology, may be an early sign of diabetes. Glucose works as the body's fuel, and when its ability to effectively use it diminishes, energy levels decrease. Additionally, when the body's cells cannot access glucose due to inadequate insulin or insulin resistance, they are deprived of their required energy source. Consequently, the individual may feel tired, weak, and lethargic, and may have difficulty in performing routine tasks.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Although diabetes is often accompanied by weight gain, unexplained weight loss may be a symptom as well, especially in type 1 diabetes. When the body lacks insulin or is inefficient at using it, it resorts to breaking down other energy sources, such as fat and muscle tissue. Resultantly, though one may be consuming more that enough calories, he or she may be experiencing an unintended weight loss. If you have experienced a significant weight loss without any undertaking of diet or exercise changes, consultations with your healthcare provider are recommended.
Increased Hunger: Increased hunger, or polyphagia, is also a common diabetic symptom. When the cells are unable to absorb glucose, the body will not get the required energy. Consequently, the body will signal the brain asking you to consume more food.
Slow Wound Healing: One of the complications of diabetes is the impact it has on the body’s natural healing process. High blood sugar levels can also damage blood vessels, hindering the flow of blood to the areas of the body that are in need. Consequently, this can cause wounds to take much longer to heal, potentially increasing the risk of infection. According to WebMD, “High levels of blood sugar can cause dehydration. And that can lead to dry skin, which is more prone to cuts and cracks that can take longer to heal. This is especially true on the feet. Infections of the skin, female genital tract, and urinary tract are also more common.”
If you notice slow healing sores, frequent infections, and cuts or bruises that are taking a long time to clear up, it’s definitely worth getting your blood sugar levels checked, especially if you have some of the other symptoms prevalent with diabetes.
Nausea and vomiting: When the body resorts to burning fat because it can't use glucose properly, ketones are produced. This process, called "Diabetic Ketoacidosis," can lead to nausea and vomiting, accompanied by stomach pain, trouble breathing and unusual fatigue. Again, nausea or vomiting can result from many things, but if it's severe or lasts for more than 24 hours, see a doctor. The symptoms of diabetes can vary from person to person, but recognizing them is critical to earl diagnosis and successful management. Remember, just because you have one or more of these symptoms doesn't mean you have diabetes. If you have any of these key symptoms, go through them regularly or if they persist, book an appointment with your doctor for a complete examination, diagnosis and appropriate follow-up. The key to preventing complications and living a healthy, active life with diabetes -- while it can be managed, it can be challenging to live with. Get to know the symptoms and see that they get taken care of before you're facing a serious problem.
Working to remove the excess sugar from the body translates into excessive thirst, another classic diabetes symptom. It's essential that you drink an abundance of water throughout the day — and not just when you’re feeling extra parched or dehydrated.Because the body is flushing the surplus sugar, dehydration is a big risk when it comes to diabetes. In addition to the increased thirst, the increased urine production can also result in the need to urinate more frequently than usual. As a result, monitor your urination habits and consult with your healthcare provider if you notice any extreme changes.It’s no surprise that regular exhaustion is a sign of diabetes, as the body is hardly able to function due to the lack of glucose being used. As with excessive thirst, feel free to sip on water throughout the course of the day to ward off fatigue. Also, partake in a healthy and balanced diet, incorporate exercise into your daily schedule and make a point to rest up at night.
Diabetic patients may sometimes experience weight loss with increased appetite. The body cannot process glucose properly, so it finds other energy sources and uses muscle tissue and fat for energy, leading to weight loss. You should also consult a healthcare provider if you start noticing any of the other symptoms because cause and effect of symptoms does not always line up.
Slow-healing wounds and frequent infections may be an indication of diabetes. High glucose levels can slow the healing process and affect your body’s ability to fight off infections.
Another common symptom is blurred vision. Your blood sugar levels may affect the lenses in your eyes, causing the vision to be less than perfect. While they not last forever, it’s not a symptom that should be ignored. If you’re diabetic, to prevent further complications, you should have regular eye exams to check for any changes and receive appropriate treatment.
In summary, diabetes can manifest in various symptoms. This is why it is important to always pay close attention to the following symptoms: increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, infections and slow healing wounds. Detecting the symptoms early and promptly finding medical intervention is essential to managing the disease properly. By following proper diet, regular physical activity and monitoring blood sugar levels regularly, diabetics can lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
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