Diabetes is a condition marked by high levels of glucose, or sugar in the blood, states Medline Plus, a medical information website established by the National Institutes of Health. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, the molecule that controls blood sugar levels, to keep sugar levels low in the blood. In Type 2 diabetes, the body's cells develop a resistance to insulin, and do not effectively use sugar for energy. A doctor should be contacted if any sign of diabetes are noticed to prevent serious complications.
Increased Thirst
Increased thirst is one of the first symptoms of diabetes, states the Mayo Clinic. This occurs because high levels of sugar in the blood vessels cause water from the body's cells to move into the blood vessels to counteract the concentration of sugar. This causes the body's cells to become small and dehydrated. The brain senses that cells are dehydrated and activates that thirst centers in the brain. A patient should seek medical treatment if he begins to notice excessive thirst or fluid intake. He should be especially aware if he has been previously diagnosed with diabetes, or has a family member with diabetes.
Extreme Hunger
A patient will notice extreme hunger, states Medline Plus. This occurs because the body's cells are not able to effectively use the sugar in the blood for fuel. The body then activates the hunger center of the brain, telling the patient to eat more. Although the patient may increase his food intake, he may not gain weight, or may lose weight. This occurs because glucose still cannot be absorbed as fuel, and can cause a patient to lose weight. A doctor should be contacted if a patient notices excessive food intake, or excessive food intake with weight loss.
Infections
The Mayo Clinic states that a patient may have frequent infections of the gums, skin, vagina or bladder. This occurs because bacteria that live in the mouth, on the skin and around the genitals thrive off glucose. When glucose levels are abnormally high in the blood, bacteria reproduce at a faster rate and become difficult for the body's immune system to fight off. Therefore, a patient will note frequent infections in the mouth, under skin folds and around the genitals, which may spread to the urinary tract. A patient should request to have his blood sugar levels checked if he is noticing frequent infections.
