Diabetes Symptoms
Diabetes is a medical condition characterized by the body's impaired ability to regulate blood sugar levels. This is caused by a deficiency or the absence of insulin production. Insulin is the hormone that is instrumental in the transfer of glucose from the blood to the tissues. Without it, the body's cells do not get any glucose and as a result, they starve and die. Too little or no insulin at all causes glucose to concentrate in the bloodstream making it more viscous and causing the appearance of diabetes symptoms.
Causes of Diabetes
Most of the reported diabetes cases today are of genetic causes. This means that a patient most probably has a parent or a sibling with the condition. In the past century, however, lifestyle choices have also been pinpointed as a cause of the diseases. People who lead sedentary lifestyles and those who are overweight or obese are at risk for developing diabetes. In some cases, diabetes develops without any underlying cause.
Types of Diabetes
There are several types of diabetes. The most common type is Diabetes Mellitus (DM). There are two DM types, DM Type 1 also known as diabetes type 1 and DM Type 2. Another type of Diabetes is Diabetes Insipidus (DI). Both DM and DI have similar diabetes symptoms. The difference is how insulin is lacking and how the body reacts to its presence. DI and DM may also come in the form of Gestational Diabetes or diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. A form of diabetes that has been recently observed is known as pre-diabetes.
Diabetes Symptoms
There are different symptoms of diabetes. However, there are three diabetes symptoms that are considered to be the three cardinal signs of the condition. These diabetes symptoms are excessive thirst (polydypsia), excessive hunger (polyphagia), and increased or excessive urination (polyuria). These diabetes symptoms may also be coupled with other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss and fatigue. Patients may also experience other diabetes symptoms including slow healing sores and wounds, blurred vision, and frequent skin and gum infections.
Patients who suspect that they have the condition must seek additional diabetes information from their healthcare provider. Seeking medical attention will also help them find a suitable diabetes treatment plan and find remedies of diabetes that works for them.
