Diabetes is a systemic disease that affects all of the body's organ systems. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes refers to a group of diseases causing high glucose levels in the bloodstream due to the body's inability to produce or use insulin properly. Glucose is a byproduct of some foods, especially carbohydrates. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, is responsible for breaking down glucose. The symptoms of diabetes are subtle, but seen together can indicate the onset of the disorder.
Excessive Urination and Thirst
Increased blood glucose levels cause the extra glucose to spill over into the urine. According to the Merck Manuals, when the glucose levels in the urine get too high, the kidneys begin to release more water to dilute it. As a result, urination increases. The increased urination causes loss of water, which triggers abnormally strong thirst, called polydipsia. Drinking more water leads to more urination, and it becomes a vicious cycle.
Extreme Hunger and Weight Loss
Another symptom of diabetes is extreme hunger. When glucose is lost through frequent urination, so are the calories associated with it, according to the Mayo Clinic. While calories are being lost through the urine, the energy from food is not reaching the cells where it is needed. This leads to a state of constant hunger. Diabetics may increase their eating and yet continue to lose weight.
Fatigue
Fatigue can be another symptom indicating the onset of diabetes. The constant dehydration due to excessive urination can leave diabetics feeling weak and fatigued, according to MedlinePlus. The inability to use the energy contained in glucose further contributes to the feeling of fatigue.
Blurred Vision
Another symptom of diabetes can be blurred vision. The excess glucose in blood can affect the eyes, leading to blurred vision. According to the Merck Manuals, it causes damage to the blood vessels supplying blood to the retina. The retina is responsible for sensing light, and when it is damaged, blurred vision is the result.
Dry Skin and Delayed Healing
The excessive urination from diabetes leads to dehydration. This dehydration can also cause the skin to become dry and itchy. Extremely dry skin can crack and peel, creating a sore and a site for possible infection. Poor circulation, especially in the feet, can lead to the formation of open wounds called diabetic ulcers, according to the Merck Manuals. The excess glucose negatively impacts the immune system, causing these sores to heal more slowly.
Frequent Infections
Diabetics have an increased risk for infection, especially of the bladder, vagina and skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, these infections are common in the diabetic. They occur due to increased levels of glucose in the bloodstream, which makes it difficult for white blood cells to fight infections effectively.
Muscle Weakness and Numbness in Extremities
The excess glucose from diabetes can damage the nervous system, affecting it in several ways, according to the Merck Manuals. Due to a condition known as peripheral or diabetic neuropathy, diabetics can experience a lack of feeling, or numbness, in their hands and feet. When a single nerve is affected, the nerve damage can manifest itself as muscle weakness.
