Blood sugar levels that are higher than normal are the hallmark of diabetes. Diabetes is caused by problems with insulin---a hormone produced by the pancreas. Too little insulin, no insulin or improper use of insulin by the body are all possible causes of diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes upon diagnosis and those seen as the disease progresses are different; this may be based on treatment and other factors.
Early Symptoms
The initial signs of diabetes are excessive thirst and frequent urination. They happen when there is too much glucose in the blood. As blood circulates through the body, it goes to the kidneys where some substances are removed for disposal and others reabsorbed. Normally, the kidneys would retain glucose. In diabetes, excess glucose is excreted by the kidneys and during the process, extra water is lost as well. This causes increased urine production and urinating frequently, which then leads to dehydration. Excessive thirst occurs as a response to dehydration.
Diagnosis
The University of Washington School of Medicine explains that diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests that are done in a laboratory. Fasting plasma glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test and random plasma glucose test are blood tests used to diagnose diabetes. All of these tests require a blood sample that is tested for glucose content. If any of the tests show that a person is diabetic, the test is repeated on a different day for confirmation. Receiving a diagnosis of diabetes may prompt emotions such as denial, anger, depression and acceptance.
Treatment
Treatment of diabetes depends on the type of diabetes a person has. It may involve insulin therapy, taking certain diabetes medication and lifestyle changes. The goal of treatment in diabetes is to keep blood glucose levels close to normal. During this process, glucose levels may get too low and cause a condition called hypoglycemia. Signs of hypoglycemia are confusion, trembling and nervousness. Fainting is another symptom that could also occur. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Diabetes" by M D Davidson, Mayer B. Davidson and Debra L. Gordon says that eating or drinking something that contains sugar can help treat hypoglycemia.
Complications
As diabetes progresses, signs of hypoglycemia may become less obvious. Additionally, when diabetes is uncontrolled, it can slowly damage different parts of the body over time. This leads to complications such as nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage and cardiovascular disease.
References
- University of Washington: Diabetes Basics---Diagnosis and evaluation
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Diabetes"; M D Davidson, Mayer B. Davidson, Debra L. Gordon; 2009
- University of Washington: Diabetes Basics---Symptoms
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes
