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The onset of signs and symptoms of diabetes can be risk-free, misleading lots of people as a typical sign of an aging process. About 18.2 million Americans were reported by the American Diabetes Association having symptoms of diabetes. On the other hand, approximately 13 million are diagnosed with DM while 5.2 million Americans have diabetes without knowing it.
The following are 3 classical signs and symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus. If you’re suffering from the aforementioned symptoms, immediately seek for medical advice with your doctor.
Polyuria (frequent urination)
Diabetes creates excessive glucose build up in the bloodstream which cannot be completely filtered out by the kidneys completely. The brain sends signals to drink more water so as to dilute glucose in the blood. The extra water helps in removing excessive amounts of glucose through the bladder. As a result, frequent urination occurs.
Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
Excessive use of water by the body will result to dehydration and excessive thirst. This thirsty feeling also creates a distressing result known as dry mouth.
Polyphagia (increased hunger)
One of the symptoms of diabetes that abnormally leads to excessive intake of food. Polyphagia usually occurs in the early stages of diabetic ketoacidosis in DM type 1. Lack of insulin will prevent the glucose from entering the cell essential for metabolic processes. Hence, the hypothalamus will send signals to eat more. Weight gain is commonly found in the early phase of DM.
Other signs and symptoms of Diabetes include:
Erectile dysfunction
The effect of diabetes in men can lead to sexual problems. Increasing glucose in the blood limits blood flow to the penis resulting in failure to sustain a satisfactory erection. Thus, diabetes will affect men’s health when left untreated and in severe cases lead to erectile dysfunction and impotence.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness for people under the age of 74. High blood sugar affects the formation of blood vessel in the eye retina resulting in blurry vision and severe cases lead to total blindness. People with diabetes are also high risk for eye problems such as glaucoma and cataract.
Body Malaise
Weakness is another symptom of diabetes. DM leaves the body unable to transport glucose from the bloodstream to the cells all over the body. This eventually leads to cell starvation which makes you feel weak and tired.
Diabetic Neuropathy
The buildup of glucose in the blood will eventually results in microvascular injury. Thus, people with diabetic neuropathy suffer from numbness and tingling sensation of the extremities. Although this is a serious sign of diabetes, proper control of blood sugar helps regain feeling in the hands and feet. In the advance stages of diabetes, diabetic neuropathy can lead to nerve disorders that may require amputation.
Diabetic Coma
When blood sugar levels get too low or too high, a diabetic patient can become unconscious and lapse into a potentially fatal coma. The effects of diabetes in men are damaging and requires serious medical attention.
In addition, a dry, itchy skin and poor wound healing are also warning signs of diabetes. Diabetes Mellitus is a killer disease that requires early diagnosis and immediate treatment. Early prognosis has greater chances of reversing the effects of diabetes. Therefore, seek medical follow-up when the preceding signs and symptoms of DM is present.
