Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus
Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus describes what is diabetes, the signs of diabetes and what type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms to watch for.
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder in which there is too much sugar in the blood. It is caused by the lack of an important hormone called insulin, which is made by a gland behind the stomach called the pancreas. Insulin controls the balance of sugar (Glucose) in the body. It tends to increase as we get older because the pancreas, like other organs, tends to wear out.
What are the two main Diabetes types?
Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 - Diabetes type 1 is known as juvenile-onset diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. It occurs mainly in young people, and because their pancreases produce very little insulin, they require injections of insulin.
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 - Diabetes type 2 is known as maturity-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. It mainly affects people over 40, many of whom are overweight and have a diet with excess calories. It is usually controlled by a proper diet for diabetes only, but sometimes diabetes medicine may have to be used.
Warning Signs of Diabetes
The classical symptoms of untreated diabetes are :
- excessive and frequent urination (every hour or so)
- excessive thirst
- loss of weight (mainly in type 1 diabetes)
- tiredness and lack of energy
- a tendency to get infections, especially of the skin
Diabetes Complications
Modern diabetes treatment is very effective for diabetes, but the results depend on the patient following the treatment especially the diet. If diabetes is untreated, the complications are very severe and include coma (from the blood sugar being either too high or too low), kidney disease, blindness and heart disease. The feet and eyes are at special risk and need special care and regular checks.
Preventing Diabetes
Click here to find the Self Help Treatment of Diabetes including comprehensive Diabetes diet information and exercise tips for diabetes prevention.
Click here to find the Blood Glucose Chart and what is normal blood sugar.
Find out how to prevent diabetes from causing diabetic foot problems by clicking here for Diabetic Foot Care tips.
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Diabetic Neuropathy Easy Self Assessment
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout your body. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet.
You may use a piece of stiff fishing line string to do this easy Diabetic foot self test. If you have lost sensation in any of the spots indicated in the above diagram, seek medical advice from your family doctor to get a professional diagnosis and medical intervention.
'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.'
Health Assessment & Screening Packages
Heart Health - Coronary Heart Disease, Learn what is Angina and Stroke, as well as How to Lower Cholesterol
The information provided in this website is for knowledge purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.
Should you encounter any medical problem that you are unsure of, always consult your doctor or health care provider for assistance and medical advice.