Diabetes produces symptoms of multiple and varied types and it is important for individuals suffering from diabetes to familiarize themselves with and to recognize these symptoms in order to manage their disorder.
Type I diabetes, an autoimmune disorder that damages or destroys cells in the pancreas, formerly known as juvenile diabetes or childhood diabetes, is more accurately described as insulin dependent diabetes. Type I diabetes produces symptoms that are generally more extreme than Type II diabetes (although both Type I and Type II are chronic conditions that must be managed wisely).
The symptoms of Type II diabetes, which is actually a type of insulin resistance and commonly known as adult-onset diabetes or obesity related diabetes, are generally less extreme and may often go unnoticed for years.
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs only in pregnant women. Gestational diabetes produces symptoms that may include excessive thirst and urination, unrelieved fatigue, blurry vision, nausea, vomiting, and possibly frequent bladder and/or vaginal yeast infections, and may result in an abnormally large fetus.
The symptoms of gestational diabetes are often relieved by a plan of diet and exercise or, in more resistant cases, the administration of insulin for the duration of the pregnancy. Gestational diabetes ceases after the pregnancy itself has ended.
Blood glucose levels (glucose is one type of "sugar" found in the bloodstream) are maintained by the body's production of insulin. Glucose levels are normally often at their lowest in the morning, before eating and at their highest just after a meal as the body naturally process the foods you have eaten. Any abnormal fluctuation in blood glucose levels may result in diabetic-like symptoms.
Blood sugar levels that drop below normal (hypoglycemia) produce symptoms such as sluggishness, decreased mental awareness, irritability, and loss of consciousness. Glucose is fuel for the body and, without the proper amount of fuel the body malfunctions. Too much fuel, or too much of the wrong fuel (hyperglycemia), or abnormally high blood glucose levels also produces specific symptoms. Long term Hyperglycemia may result in serious eye, nerve, and/or kidney damage.
Because of the inability of the body to regulate, produce, or use insulin, Diabetes produces symptoms as a result of both high and low blood sugar. This is why the symptoms of diabetes, and the disorder itself, can only be managed through a strict regimen of diet, exercise, and sometimes insulin (for Type I diabetics).
Type I diabetics and Type II diabetics may suffer the same symptoms with the general exception of diabetic ketoacidosis (in Type I diabetics) and hyperosmolar nonketotic state in (Type II diabetics). Diabetic ketoacidosis is a symptom of diabetes that occurs when blood glucose levels are extremely high, usually due to failure to take prescribed insulin.
Untreated, diabetic ketoacidosis may lead to coma and even death. Hyperosmolar nonketotic state is found primarily in Type II diabetics. It is a form of diabetic coma resulting from extended high blood glucose levels. Individuals suffering from hyperosmolar nonketotic coma have an abnormally high incidence of blood clots, therefore anti clotting agents are generally part of the treatment for this condition.
The symptoms and effects of diabetes also include long-term damage to the retina that may result in blindness, nerve and blood vessel damage leading to gangrene in the extremities, kidney failure, stroke, and heart attack. Diabetes and its symptoms can be treated. There is currently no cure, but with careful maintenance, diabetics can live a nearly normal life.
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