Basics about Diabetes Symptoms
A Health Care Article Contributed by Adrienne Turner
Diabetes Symptoms Vary by Type of Disease
Diabetes symptoms vary by the type of disease one is suffering from. The two most common types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is the less common of the two, and affects about five to 10 percent of all persons with the disease. Type 1 diabetes is occasionally referred to as "insulin-dependant" diabetes, and means that the body does not produce insulin on its own. Insulin is an important component that is responsible for breaking down the sugar and fat (from food) in the bloodstream and converting it to energy that the cells need to survive. Without insulin, the blood sugar levels in the body get dangerously high and can lead to fatal consequences.
Type 2 diabetes is very common and affect about 90 percent of all diabetes patients. When a person has Type 2 diabetes, the body makes insulin, but does not know how to use it properly. Most people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight and lead sedentary lifestyles. Type 2 diabetes is extremely dangerous if not managed properly, and it can lead to very serious medical conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, blindness and loss of limbs (through amputations associated with diabetes symptoms).
Specific Diabetes Symptoms
There are differences between diabetes symptoms in those with Type 1 versus Type 2 forms of the disease. The following outlines the most common diabetes symptoms for both types of the disease:
Type 1 diabetes symptoms:
* Unquenchable thirst
* Dry mouth
* Frequent urination
* Weight loss (despite feeling hungry and eating often)
* Blurry vision
Type 2 diabetes symptoms:
* Cuts and sores that heal very slowly
* Dry mouth
* Leg pain
* Frequent urination
* Itchy skin
* Frequent yeast infections
* Blurry vision
As one can see, the diabetes symptoms can be similar with both types of diseases. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are associated with long-term and serious health risks if not treated and managed properly. Therefore, it is important to understand the symptoms related to the disease and consult a physician should any of the above symptoms arise.
Complications Resulting from Diabetes Symptoms
Diabetes (both types) is a very serious disease that one must manage carefully and appropriately. Occasionally, persons with diabetes who do not manage symptoms properly can develop other dangerous medical conditions.
It is estimated that persons with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than those without the disease. This also applies to stroke: persons with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have a stroke than those who are not diabetic.
Furthermore, more than half of all diabetics have high blood pressure and diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among persons who are 20 to 24 years old.
Therefore, it is important for people with diabetes to manage their disease and be aware of new symptoms that increase in severity. With the aid of a physician and specific types of medication, diabetes can be managed. However, it is also important for those at risk for developing the disease to be aware of symptoms and risk factors.
