Do you know what common symptoms may be warnings that you
are developing diabetes?
Diabetes is a very common metabolic disease brought about
by deficient insulin in the body. This disrupts normal
blood glucose level in the body and requires medical
treatment and a change in lifestyle. A glucose test is
often the best method of identifying the levels of sugar in
the blood. A blood glucose monitor is also a useful device
for determining the normal blood glucose level and the
deviations from the norm.
The three most common symptoms of increase in the blood
glucose level in the body are polyuria or frequent
urination, polydipsia or the increased fluid intake due to
thirst, and blurred vision. Thirst occurs due to the effect
of osmosis. The kidneys here generate a rather high amount
of glucose and since water needs to carry it, there is a
fluid loss. The body cells replace the water that is now
needed to make up the decreased blood volume and this
results in dehydration. Thus the body craves water and the
patient is thirsty.
Blurred vision is usually caused due to change in the shape
of the lens in the eye. The change occurs if the normal
blood glucose level is high for a long period of time. It
is important to undertake a glucose test and to continue
monitoring with a blood glucose monitor if all or any of
the above symptoms occur.
There are several minor symptoms that also need to be
watched for. Sudden weight loss and excessive hunger are
two such symptoms that can occur when the blood glucose
level increases. Sometimes, diabetes leads to disturbance
of immune system. This can lead to the slow healing of
wounds and even minor bruises. Diabetes can also cause
peripheral damage of nerves and this is typified by
numbness or tingling in the feet and hands. This damage can
cause dry and itchy skin as the nerves get damaged.
However, the symptoms also vary from type to type and need
to be watched for. In Type 1, for example, the symptoms
develop very fast whereas in Type 2 the symptoms are slow,
subtle and mild.
In type 1 diabetes mellitus, weight loss is a major symptom
even though the patient may be eating normally or even
eating more than usual. There may also be irreducible and
persistent fatigue and overeating. There may also be
development of diabetic ketoacidosis. Acetone on the
patient's breath, polyuria, vomiting, abdominal pain, deep
and rapid breathing as well as an altered state of
consciousness characterize ketoacidosis. Hostility, mania,
confusion or lethargy are some of the symptoms of the
altered state of consciousness. Diabetes ketoacidosis can
lead to coma and if untreated can even cause death.
Blurred vision is also a common symptom in type 1.
Hyperosmolar non-ketotic state or Hyperglycemia is a rare
symptom, which develops in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is
usually fatal and accounts for a high mortality rate. It is
a diabetic coma and is usually preceded by an acute
illness. Gestational diabetes occurs in the 24th to 28th
week of pregnancy but usually disappears after childbirth.
Diabetes can be prevented if the patient follows a healthy
diet and exercises regularly. The blood sugar level can be
monitored with glucose test and if carefully watched, one
can maintain a normal blood glucose level. This can be
monitored even at home with the help of a blood glucose
monitor. The blood glucose monitor, with the help of a
specially coated strip containing a drop of blood will
measure the amount of sugar in the blood stream and its
deviation from the normal blood glucose level. However, it
is best to solicit the advice of the doctor since the
diabetes care varies from person to person.
Diabetes is sometimes a slow acting and extremely subtle
disease. If any of the above symptoms are recurrent, then
it will be wise to consult a doctor or have a glucose test
conducted. It is best to treat the disease early on before
it worsens and enters a more critical stage. It may take
time, but if it is regularly treated, monitored with
repeated glucose tests, the use of the glucose monitor and
proper care is taken, then it is possible to lead a normal
and healthy life.
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Michael Jennings has a special interest in diabetes and
supplies up-to-date information on blood glucose monitors
and diabetes to help you in the management of your
condition. ==> http://www.meters-blood-glucose.com/
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