Diabetes refers to a disease in which your body cannot control your blood sugar levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of diabetes include fatigue, extreme thirst, hunger, unintentional weight loss, frequent urination and sores on your legs or feet that take a long time to heal. Various complications can result if diabetes is left untreated.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
You may develop diabetic ketoacidosis if immediate measures are not taken to lower blood glucose levels. Glucose gathers in your blood and subsequently, your body cannot utilize it for energy. Therefore, your body begins to find other sources of energy, so it breaks down your fat stores. Ketones are a result of this breakdown, and this accumulates in your body. Too many ketones can lower the pH of the blood to dangerously acidic levels. This is called ketoacidosis.
MedlinePlus indicates that manifestations of diabetic ketoacidosis include nausea, vomiting, fruity-smelling breath, fast breathing, stomach pain, dry skin and facial flushing. Diabetic ketoacidosis can also cause frequent urination, decreased appetite, loss of consciousness and headaches. Typically, your doctor will hospitalize you and give you insulin, a medication that lowers your glucose levels. He will also give you intravenous fluids and electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium). Diabetic ketoacidosis is potentially life-threatening, so get help fast.
Diabetic Neuropathy
The Mayo Clinic says that diabetes can also cause nerve damage. This is medically called diabetic neuropathy. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include numbness, tingling or burning of your feet, muscle weakness, foot ulcers or infections, constipation and impotence. Diabetic neuropathy can also cause double vision, facial paralysis, hand weakness and wrist, arm or shoulder pain.
Treatment includes taking such lifestyle changes as eating healthfully, exercising and losing weight (if you are overweight). You should also stop smoking, as it can worsen diabetes. The Mayo Clinic says that diabetic neuropathy can be treated with anti-seizure medications such as pregabalin, tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine, capsaicin and opioid analgesics such as codeine.
Diabetic Nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathy refers to kidney damage. MedlinePlus indicates that manifestations of diabetic nephropathy include fatigue, a headache, leg swelling, nausea and vomiting and a poor appetite. It can also cause frequent hiccups, a poor appetite and unintentional weight gain. Treatment of diabetic nephropathy includes taking such medicines as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors such as lisinopril or angiotensin receptor blockers such as valsartan. You must also engage in exercise and follow a healthy diet. Diabetic nephropathy can lead to end-stage renal failure and even death if untreated.
