Diabetes is a disease that causes blood sugar levels to rise above normal levels. With Type 1 diabetes the body attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. With Type 2 diabetes the body develops a resistance to insulin and is eventually unable to properly utilize insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Darkened Skin Patches and Skin Conditions
Type 2 diabetics may develop patches of darkened skin in the folds of the body. The condition is known as acanthosis nigricans, notes MayoClinic.com. This condition is a sign of insulin resistance. Acanthosis nigricans may appear in the neck area, armpits and other creases of the body, notes the American Diabetes Association.
Exhaustion
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes impair the body's ability to properly utilize blood sugar, notes the CDC. This constant state of sugar deprivation can cause an overall feeling of exhaustion and fatigue.
Heightened Thirst and Frequent Urination
Excess blood sugar draws fluid away from the body's cells and tissues. As a result, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes heighten thirst. Increased fluid intake also increases the frequency of urination, according to MayoClinic.com.
Impaired Vision and Eye Problems
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes may cause impaired vision. Excessively high levels of blood sugar cause fluid to be drawn away from the eyes, preventing the eyes from properly focusing. Diabetes may also cause glaucoma, cataracts and retinopathy, notes the American Diabetes Association. Diabetics also have a high risk of developing blindness.
Increased Hunger
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes causes increased hunger. Both diabetes types prevent the body from properly utilizing blood sugar. This, in turn, causes the body's cells, muscles and organs to exhaust their energy. Such a deficiency increases hunger.
Loss of Weight
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes typically heighten hunger. However, in spite of increased food intake, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics may actually exhibit weight loss, according to MayoClinic.com. The loss of weight is related to the inability to properly utilize blood sugar caused by both types of diabetes. As such, the body is compelled to convert fat and sometimes muscle tissue into energy.
Slow-Healing Blisters and Infections
Type 2 diabetes affects the body's natural immune response and healing ability, according to MayoClinic.com. As such, type 2 diabetes impairs the speed at which sores and blisters heal. In addition, diabetes may allow bacterial and fungal infections to develop more easily, according to the American Diabetes Association.
