Symptoms Make You at Risk of Having Diabetes 10
Diabetes symptoms vary from one person to another; depending on which type of diabetes you have, and how much your blood sugar level is elevated.
In this article we will take you through a journey; to know more about diabetes, diabetes symptoms, and causes of diabetes.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which blood sugar level is elevated, either due to insulin (hormone that allows blood sugar to enter into the cells to be used as an energy source) deficiency or insulin resistance.
Increased blood sugar could affect your kidneys, nerves, eyes, and heart.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Symptoms includ
- Frequent urination, often at night
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the feet or hands
- Dry skin
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections, such as skin or gums infection and (in women) vaginal infections
Symptoms vary depending on how much blood sugar level is elevated and which type of diabetes you have.
There are several types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes usually starts at a young age, but can also occur at any age. Its symptoms are more severe and can develop in a few weeks to months.
Patients may experience previously mentioned symptoms, in addition to nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes usually shows up more in adults. Some people may not feel or notice any symptoms, as symptoms could take several years to develop.
Symptoms of gestational diabetes
The blood sugar level of some women may be elevated during pregnancy which is known as (Gestational diabetes).
Usually, women with gestational diabetes don't notice or feel any signs or symptoms; that is why doctors recommend that a blood sugar test should be performed between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.
Symptoms in men
In addition to the previously mentioned symptoms, men with diabetes can have decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and poor muscle strength.
Symptoms in women
Women with diabetes can experience additional symptoms, such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and dry, itchy skin.
So, If you experience any of the following symptoms, you would better seek your doctor's advice.
What are the causes of diabetes?
Causes of type 1 diabetes
The exact causes of type 1 diabetes are not yet known, however, it is thought that the immune system may attack its own beta cells (in the pancreas) which are responsible for producing insulin. This attack can occur either by mistake (the body attacks its own cells without a known reason) or can be provoked by certain viral infections.
In some cases, type 1 diabetes can be attributed to some genetic issues.
Causes of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, and can be either caused by certain lifestyle factors or it could be genetic (inherited).
Obesity (especially extra belly fat) and physical inactivity are the most common risk factors that lead to type 2 diabetes, as they develop what is called insulin resistance.
Also, it can be genetic, as type 2 diabetes runs in certain families and can be inherited.
Causes of gestational diabetes
This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy and is caused by hormonal changes together with genetic and lifestyle factors.
Sources:
