VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Klaudia Kierzkowska, graduate of chemistry at the University of Warsaw
Diabetes is one of the civilization diseases of the 21st century. It is an insidious disease whose initial symptoms are very easy to underestimate. Many people are not even aware of the risk, which is why in most cases diabetes is diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Diabetes mellitusis characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia that results from impaired insulin secretion or function. The pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the insulin it produces is not used properly. However, in order for the body's cells to use up glucose, which is an energy material, insulin is necessary - a hormone that maintains normal blood sugar levels.
Types of diabetes
According to the World He alth Organization (WHO), diabetes is divided into four types:
- type 1 diabetes- its essence is absolute insulin deficiency. It accounts for about 10 percent. all cases. It is most common in children and adolescents, and its treatment requires the patient to inject the drug under the skin several times a day.
- type 2 diabetes- affects almost 90 percent all sick. It is characterized by high blood glucose, insulin resistance and a relative insulin deficiency. It most often develops in people over 40, obese people and those who have diabetes in their family. Treatment of type 2 diabetes initially involves introducing a low glycemic diet and increasing exercise.
- gestational diabetes- occurs in he althy women during pregnancy. Poses a risk to the fetus. In 30-45 percent women, gestational diabetes will develop into type 2 diabetes within 15 years.
- other specific types of diabetes - e.g. pancreatic diseases, genetic defects.
Early symptoms of diabetes that are easy to underestimate
Diabetes is an insidious disease that does not give clear symptoms. Thus, it is sometimes underestimated and disregarded.
Here are 12 early symptoms that we often overlook:
1. Excessive fatigue
Excessive fatigue caused by glucose deficiency in cells, wwhich is converted into energy necessary for the body. Drowsiness and general fatigue are very often underestimated by patients.
2. Increased appetite and weight loss at the same time
Rarely does anyone worry that even with increased appetite, they lose extra pounds. However, sudden weight loss without excessive exercise or diet should be a cause for concern.
Insulin deficiency or malfunction prevents glucose from being delivered to the body's cells. Hunger causes excessive consumption of food, but the lack of glucose in the cells causes the body to use up fat stores.
3. Obesity
Obese people often struggle with type 2 diabetes. Difficult to lose weight and diabetes are related diseases that result from poor nutrition.
4. High thirst and frequent urination
The body tries to dissolve glucose in fluids (hence excessive thirst), and at the same time tries to excrete it through the urine. However, drinking plenty of fluids and frequent visits to the toilet are rarely disturbing.
5. Hair loss
Diabetes leads to a disturbance of microcirculation and a reduction in the level of nutrition of the hair follicle and hair matrix, which in turn leads to hair loss. Alopecia in the course of diabetes is diffuse, and the greatest intensity occurs around the top of the head.
6. Skin changes
Diabetes leads to various types of skin changes caused by decreased immunity. There are pimples, pustules, purulent lesions, redness and susceptibility to cuts. The most common skin diseases include thrush and mycosis.
7. Nail problems
Uneven, folded and dull nail plate may indicate the development of diabetes, but hardly anyone connects these symptoms with the disease. Sometimes diabetes is also accompanied by the so-called subungual keratosis.
8. Mood swings
Sudden changes in mood should be a signal to check your blood glucose. One of the most often underestimated symptoms of diabetes is nervousness and emotional instability. Sleepiness, unfounded mental fatigue and depression should be a cause for concern.
9. Bloodshot conjunctiva and visual impairment
The ailment is caused by microscopic damage to blood vessels in the retina of the eye. Glucose that penetrates into the lens can change its shape and reduce visual acuity.
10. Taste disturbance
Diabetes gives a characteristic picture of wthe mouth. Disorders, which include a burning sensation in the mouth and a change in taste, are the result of untreated diabetic neuropathy.
11. Erectile dysfunction
Diabetes significantly affects male sexual performance and erectile dysfunction.
12. Recurrent vaginal infections
Persistent and recurring vaginal yeast infections should be a signal for a woman to perform a blood sugar test.
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