Identifying the Different Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Affecting almost 3% of the entire population, diabetes is indeed a disorder that is very common. When this is not controlled, there are several complications that can occur. Here are the different signs and symptoms of diabetes and how your diabetes recipes should be like.

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder characterized by increased blood sugar levels which result in problems with insulin production and action. Insulin is the hormone in the body that regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Diabetes is a chronic disorder with three types. Type 1 diabetes or insulin dependent occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin, thereby requiring insulin injections regularly. Type 2 diabetes or non-insulin dependent occurs when the body is unable to use insulin appropriately. Lastly, gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy to women who don’t have diabetes prior to being pregnant.

There are three classical signs and symptoms of diabetes –frequent urination, increased hunger and increased thirst. When the level of glucose is increased in the body, this will lead to loss of this glucose through the urine. When there is increased glucose in the urine, there will be an increase in the urine output which leads to dehydration. The dehydration will then cause a diabetic person to have an increase in thirst. Other signs and symptoms of diabetes include nausea and vomiting as well as increased fatigability especially if it is untreated. There will also be an increase in infections especially those that occur in the skin, the urinary bladder and the vaginal area. If there is extreme elevation of the glucose levels, there can be loss of vision, lethargy and eventually coma.

There is no cure for diabetes but it can be managed to minimize the occurrence of complications. Treatments are aimed at keeping the blood sugar level at normal levels while avoiding hypoglycemia or the decreased glucose level. Lifestyle changes are very important so as to avoid the worsening of the signs and symptoms of diabetes. If you are obese, you will need to lose weight. You also need to maintain your blood pressure level by decreasing the cholesterol level of your diet as well as decreasing your intake of salt and fats. Your diabetes recipes should be high in fiber and have low-fat content particularly saturated fats. You should also opt for foods that have low carbohydrate contents and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.

Medications are important in the treatment of diabetes and for the management of the signs and symptoms of diabetes. You will be given oral medications to reduce the glucose level in the body. Insulin will be needed for type 1 diabetes and this will be taken for life. Insulin is also used in type 2 diabetes along with oral medicines.

If diabetes is not controlled, there are a lot of complications that can occur. It can result to cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, loss of vision, respiratory infections, diabetic coma and a lot more. It is then important to follow the treatment regimen given to you strictly. It is also vital to know the different signs and symptoms of diabetes so that you will be able to get treated immediately. Further, you should know different diabetes recipes for better management of your condition.