Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious, chronic disease that can result in many other health complications if not treated and monitored properly. Each individual is different and may experience different symptoms. Below is a list of symptoms most commonly experienced:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive Thirst
- Increased Hunger
- Weight loss
- Tiredness
- Lack of interest and concentration
- A tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet
- Blurred vision
- Frequent infections
- Slow-healing wounds
- Vomiting and stomach pain (often mistaken for the flu) present in case of Diabetes Keto-Acidosis DKA ( emergency situation where going urgently to the hospital can save the patient's life)
It is important for those that experience any of these symptoms to consult a doctor immediately.
Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
Several factors may contribute to type 1 diabetes, including genetics and exposure to certain viruses. Although type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence; it also can begin in adults.
There is no cure for type 1 diabetes but it can be managed with the proper monitoring and treatment.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, once known as adults diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. It is a chronic condition where your body does not use insulin properly. It affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), your body’s important source of fuel. Your body resists to the effects of insulin or does not produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level. This is also known as insulin resistance.
There is no cure for type 2 diabetes but it can be managed by eating well, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight. If diet and exercise is not enough to manage your blood sugar, you also may need diabetes medication or insulin therapy.
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is caused by the narrowing, blocking, or stiffening of the blood vessels causing not enough blood to reach your organs such as your heart, brain, or other parts of your body. You might not be diagnosed with CVD until you have a heart attack, chest pain (angina), stroke, or heart failure.
The causes of CVD are diverse but atherosclerosis and hypertensions are the most common. In addition, with aging comes a number of physiological and morphological changes that alters cardiovascular function and lead to increased risk of CVD, even in healthy individuals that experience no symptoms.
Although CVD usually affects older adults, it is vital to make primary prevention efforts necessary from childhood. Such prevention efforts include healthy eating, exercise, and avoidance of smoking tobacco.
Symptoms of Cardiovascular Diseases
Symptoms for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) vary. Many experience similar warning signs such as the following:
- Chest Pain (Angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Pain, numbness, weakness, or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back
It is important for those that experience any of these symptoms to consult a doctor immediately.