According to the International Diabetes Federation, 9.3% of adults aged 20 to 79 years – a staggering 463 million people – are living with diabetes, with a further 1.1 million children and adolescents under the age of 20 living with Type 1 diabetes.
Looking to the next 25 years, the Federation estimates that there will be 578 million adults with diabetes by 2030, and 700 million by 2045.
These figures are astounding, and while there may not be a cure, early identification of any of the three types of diabetes – Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes – can allow you to take the necessary steps to manage this illness and stay healthy.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder affecting a person’s metabolism. This results in your body not producing enough, or any, insulin in the pancreas - the hormone that assists glucose from food to be absorbed into your cells to power your body’s activities where energy is required. Without insulin, the glucose stays in the bloodstream and never reaches where it is needed. This results in high blood sugar or hyperglycaemia. Over time, these increased glucose levels can damage the body and even bring about the failure of various organs and tissues.
What are the symptoms of diabetes you need to look out for?
Diabetes symptoms may initially be so mild that you might not even notice them - this is particularly true of Type 2 diabetes, which may only be diagnosed when some of the disease’s long-term harm has already been done. In fact, some sufferers only discover they have Type 2 diabetes when they begin to experience associated health issues, including heart trouble.
Type 1 diabetes symptoms can occur quickly, even in a matter of a few weeks, but these symptoms are generally more severe.
Gestational diabetes is usually picked up by a glucose screening test at around 28 weeks and many of its symptoms, such as fatigue and the need to urinate, could easily be confused with the normal experiences of pregnancy. There may, however, be increased thirst.
Common diabetes symptoms
Frequent urination and unusual thirst
On average, a person needs to urinate four to seven times in 24 hours. However, since the blood sugar is high, a person’s kidneys may not be able to reabsorb all the glucose. The body reacts by making more urine, but it needs more water to do this, hence the thirst. The more you drink, the more you need to urinate, and the more you need to drink.
Fatigue and hunger
A person needs insulin to absorb glucose, which your cells need for energy. If you don’t have enough insulin or your body resists it, you can’t absorb the glucose - resulting in a lack of energy that makes you hungry and tired.
Itchy skin and dry mouth
As the body uses fluids to make urine, other areas of the body will not receive enough moisture, such as the mouth, for example. This can also result in dehydrated skin, which can feel itchy or uncomfortable.
Blurred vision
This symptom is also related to changing fluid levels, which can sometimes cause the lenses in your eyes to become swollen, altering their shape and reducing their ability to focus.
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes
Unexpected weight loss
As the body can’t get energy from the food you eat, it will resort to burning fat and muscle instead. Weight loss may occur even if you are following the same diet as you always have.
Nausea and vomiting
Ketones are the byproducts of the breakdown of fat, and when they build up in your body they can make you feel nauseated and cause you to vomit - and can also cause a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.
Mood swings
May be caused by glucose levels being too low or too high.
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes
Slow-healing cuts, sores and bruises
High blood sugar can affect your blood flow and cause nerve damage, making it hard for your body to heal.
Tingling, numb or painful feet or legs or hands
Nerve damage can cause these sensations.
Yeast infections
Yeast thrives in glucose-rich environments. These infections can occur under the breasts, in or around the genitalia and between fingers and toes.
When should you visit a doctor if you think you have diabetes?
The symptoms described are all warning signs to get yourself checked as soon as you first notice them. However, if you’re over 45 or have other risks of diabetes (for example family history or being overweight), you shouldn’t wait to get tested.
To book a diabetes screening at a Clicks Clinic: https://clicks.co.za/healthcareservices/clinic-services
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