Weight gain is not the only worry when one has managed to put on extra pounds. Overweight individuals increase their risk for acquiring diabetes mellitus (DM), according to the Cleveland Clinic. Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine abnormality and contributes significantly to disease morbidity and mortality. Reported statistics by the Centers for Disease Control indicate that diabetes and its complications affect over 29.3 million people. Knowing the signs of diabetes allows for early diagnosis, prevention care, management and lifestyle changes.
Increased Thirst
Diabetes is a disease of impaired glucose processing. Excessive glucose in the blood leads to the depletion of water from cells to enter the blood vessels. While the overall water status is not changed, tissues, especially muscles and fat, are dehydrated. Tissues tell a special portion of the brain that they require more water; this is called the "thirst center." Patients often find that they are unable to satisfy the body's demand for water. Excessive thirst, or polydipsia, is one of the three classic common presenting symptoms attributed to DM.
Increased Hunger
Hunger is the body's way of indicating that it is in a low energy state. Tissues signal a need for increased energy by demanding food. Patients attempt to satisfy hunger, but may find after a meal that they are not completely satisfied. This is a reflection of a reduction in response of tissues to insulin. Therefore, glucose is not entering cells. The patient may feel starved. Hunger, or polyphagia, is one of the three Ps associated with diabetes mellitus.
Increased Urine
An abnormal increase in urine output is referred to as polyuria. Increased urine volume is due in part to the high level of glucose in the blood and the triggering of the thirst response from dehydrated tissues. Glucose excess causes water to enter the blood, leading to an increase in urine output. Polyuria is the technical term for excessively large volumes of urine output. It is part of the three Ps that are classically associated with diabetics upon initial presentation.
Increased Tiredness
When the body is in an extreme low energy state, it cannot maintain energy demands and needs. Diabetics lack the ability to use the available energy resources; as a result, patients become lethargic, or extremely tired. In many cases, they are unable to perform normal daily activities. Often, extreme tiredness is what prompts patients to seek a physician.
Blurred Vision
Extremely high glucose levels or uncontrolled diabetes may cause osmotic diuresis in the eye. According to the Cleveland Clinic, fluid is drawn from the blood vessels, causing the lens to swell and distort, impairing vision. This typically improves when glucose is controlled. It may be the only patient presentation. If patients with diabetes have vision changes, they should immediately contact their physician.
