Several medical conditions may cause the body to have a high level of blood glucose. These conditions, referred to collectively as diabetes mellitus, include type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes as the three main categories for the disease. In each type, the blood sugar level is not adequately controlled by the insulin produced by the body. Treatment for the condition may include insulin injections, medication, diet and exercise. The symptoms for all three types of diabetes mellitus may vary slightly, and not all individuals experience every possible symptom, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Increased Thirst and Urination
Some of the first symptoms of diabetes mellitus include an increase in urination and thirst. As the amount of glucose builds in the blood, some of the sugar spills into the urine. The kidneys respond to this increased sugar by absorbing more water from the body into the urine to attempt to dilute the sugar, according to the Merck Manual. The increase in urine volume makes an individual urinate more frequently than normal. As the kidneys pull more water from the body to dilute the urine, the individual feels thirsty because of the dehydrating effects.
Weight Loss
Nutrients and calories the body needs flush out of the body along with the increased amount of urine. Frequent urination speeds up the amount of lost calories. This results in an individual suffering from weight loss without dieting, Merck reports.
Hunger
As the body rids needed calories through the urine, the individual feels hungry. To combat the hunger, the person eats. Eating foods that increase the blood glucose levels perpetuates the cycle.
Fatigue
The decrease in proper nutrition increases feelings of tiredness and fatigue.
Decreased Sensation in Feet
Individuals who suffer from diabetes mellitus might develop a condition called diabetic neuropathy. The increased levels of blood sugar cause damage to nerves. The nerves that supply feeling to the feet are often affected by diabetes. The result of the nerve damage is tingling or a loss of feeling in the feet.
Frequent Infections
A symptom of diabetes mellitus is an increase in body infections. Bladder infections, vaginal infections and skin infections are common for individuals with diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Blurred Vision
Diabetes mellitus might cause blurred vision. Diabetes weakens the blood vessels in the eyes so that not enough blood gets to the retinas. The retina is the lining of the eye that senses light. The decrease in blood to the retinas causes visual changes, including blurry vision.
Slow-Healing Sores
Cuts and sores on the body, especially on the feet, may heal slower than normal for individuals affected by diabetes.
