Diabetes - A Confusing and Complicated Disease

Diabetes is an often misjudged. The symptoms alone are enough to confuse even the medical professionals. Most people would have a hard time perceiving even one diabetes symptom.

This article attempts to clearly outline the symptoms of diabetes and also briefly describes the two types of diabetes.

Symptoms of Type I Diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes)

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Diabetes Type I is often referred to as "Juvenile Diabetes". This is because many victims are diagnosed in childhood with the symptoms of Type I Diabetes.  Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age; however, it usually develops in children and young adults.

Type I Diabetes is an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) because insulin injections must be taken daily.

Some of the Type I Diabetes symptoms include:

• Increased Urination
• Increased Thirst
• Weight Loss
• Increased Appetite

These symptoms generally become apparent over a few days to weeks. Occasionally, some people notice symptoms after an illness such as the flu and may believe that their diabetes symptoms are related to the flu and do not seek medical care early.

It's important to seek medical advice if you suspect you observe symptoms associated with diabetes.  Sometime a person may develop symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis before seeking for medical care. Symptoms include:

• Flushed, hot, dry skin.
• Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
• A strong, fruity breath odor (similar to nail polish remover or acetone).
• Fast and shallow breathing.
• Restlessness, drowsiness, difficulty waking up, confusion, or coma

Symptoms Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood. This condition occurs when the body is unable to respond to insulin in an appropriate manner. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes.

People with Type 2 Diabetes may have no symptoms. If you do manifest symptoms, they may include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Increased appetite
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Frequent or slow-healing infections
• Erectile dysfunction 
  

Insulin resistance occurs when the insulin produced by your pancreas is unable to get inside fat and muscle cells to provide energy. Since these cells are wanting the insulin they require, the pancreas produces more and more.  This causes high rises in blood sugar. Hyperglycemia is the technical term for this problem.

Quick Summary of Diabetes Types

The key to remembering the types of diabetes is when the diabetes symptoms first started. Type 1 is known as insulin dependent diabetes (it starts as a juvenile) and Type 2 (later develops in adulthood) is non-insulin dependent diabetes.

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