Diabetes Mellitus is a serious chronic disease in which the blood sugar (glucose) level runs abnormally high because of a dysfunction between the pancreas' production of insulin and the sugar content in the bloodstream. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes typically manifest in childhood when the pancreas produces little or no insulin; alternately, the onset and symptoms for type 2 diabetes usually occur later in adulthood. While the symptoms for both are the same, however, some people with type 2 may not manifest symptoms.
Urination and Thirst
One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is the need to urinate frequently due to the excess blood sugar spilling into the urine. In an attempt to dilute the sugar, the kidneys work overtime to excrete additional water, resulting in the need to urinate large quantities frequently. As blood sugar rises in the bloodstream, the kidneys must retrieve water from all available sources, namely the cells, for the purpose of diluting the sugar. As a consequence, the cells become dehydrated, which then triggers the function of feeling thirsty. As a result, a vicious cycle occurs since the excessive thirst (polydipsia) will lead to frequent urination that then will produce dehydration, which then will trigger excessive thirst. Thus from the beginning, diabetes puts considerable strain on the renal system.
Extreme Hunger with Weight Loss
This disease can be symptoms of contradictions, for those with diabetes tend to lose weight, yet they suffer extreme hunger, which is an aspect of what is known as insulin resistance. After food has been metabolized, rising glucose levels trigger insulin from the pancreas in order to assist the cellular process that allows glucose to be absorbed by the cells. However, in the case of being insulin resistant, there is a malfunction in that glucose is not able to enter the cells and be absorbed; specifically, the cells are resistant to the effects of insulin. As a result, not only are the cells starving for energy, but so is the patient. Some patients may overeat, but the need for energy is not satisfied, which leaves one feeling fatigued.
Vision and Healing Problems
This disease can affect vision. Damaged blood vessels in the eyes (retinopathy), if left untreated, can result in eventual blindness. Consistently high blood sugar levels also affect the body's ability to heal and repair itself, and cuts or abrasions can get infected more easily. This may turn into wounds or sores that take longer to heal or don't heal.
