Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, affects the body's metabolization of blood sugar. Blood sugar, or glucose, is necessary to fuel the body. According to MayoClinic.com, it is not unusual to go months or years without knowing you have diabetes as the initial stage of symptoms may be very subtle. According to 2010 information from the American Diabetes Association, approximately 6 million Americans have type 2 diabetes and don't know it.
Increased Thirst and Urination
As the sugar levels begin to build up in the blood, the inability of the kidneys to deal with it increases. This puts stress on the kidneys and forces them to excrete, or dump excess sugar into the urine. The kidneys must also draw fluid from the body's tissues. The result is increased urination to get rid of the sugary fluids, and thirst, to replace the fluid that they drew from the body.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a subtle, first stage symptom. With a hectic schedule, it may go unnoticed. It is commonly the result of being overly thirsty and frequent urination, coupled with the increased levels of sugar circulating in the blood, unable to enter the cells. Without the glucose for energy, fatigue sets in.
Blurring of Vision
The increased amounts of glucose in the blood tend to pull the fluid from the eyeball into the blood. This may cause moments where focusing is challenging. Over a period of time, focusing may become increasingly difficult. If left unchecked, new blood vessels may grow in the retinal area of the eye as others die. Untreated they may lead to blindness.
Increased Infections
Infection seems to be more common in those with diabetes, according to 2008 information from MayoClinic.com; however, the reason for this is unclear. People with diabetes not only have more frequent infections, but they are also slower to heal than non diabetics. In the beginning stages of diabetes, wounds or cuts may take longer to close over than in the past. Bruises are slower to heal. Women may experience more frequent vaginal and urinary tract infections. Bleeding gums or loose teeth are not uncommon, and gums may pull away from the teeth.
Treatment
There are two types of diabetes: type 1, known as early-onset diabetes, and type 2, known as adult-onset diabetes. Type 1 requires regular insulin injections to maintain healthy levels of blood glucose. Type 2 may or may not require oral medication or insulin injections, depending on the severity. In both types, monitoring blood sugar and maintaining it around 4.4 mmol/L to 6.7 mmol/L, whether through drugs or diet is crucial, notes MayoClinic.com. Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight is important for both types.
