By Dr. Narendra Punjabi, M.D.
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic afflictions, affecting over 28 million Americans and 171 million people worldwide. Diabetes is an enduring condition in which the pancreas fails to produce a hormone, insulin, which is responsible for carrying digested sugars from food to other cells. Due to the absence or insufficient production of insulin, body cells don't get the required glucose for producing ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). ATP is an enzyme that allows cells to obtain and use energy.
Diabetes is usually of two types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 occurs as a result of an autoimmune response to a viral attack on the pancreas. Type 2 occurs when people consume high amounts of sugar, carbohydrates, and animal products causing fat reserves of the body to metabolize. In both types of diabetes, signs and symptoms are likely to be similar, resulting in high blood sugar due to defective insulin metabolism.
Type 1 & 2 Diabetes: Similar Symptoms
Frequent urination - Due to excess glucose in the body, frequent urination occurs. As a result, you feel dehydrated.
Excessive thirst - When the concentration of glucose increases in the blood, our brain receives signals for diluting it, and as a result we feel thirsty.
Extreme hunger - When sugar levels increase in our blood, our body produces insulin, which is known to stimulate hunger.
Unusual weight loss or gain - Due to increased urination, metabolism of fat and protein your body may cause you to lose weight. Conversely, you may gain weight due to an increase in your appetite.
Increased fatigue - Due to decreased production of insulin, instead of glucose, your bodies' fat reserves are metabolized to gain energy. More energy is consumed when fat is metabolized compared to glucose. As a result of this negative calorie effect, you feel fatigued.
Irritability - You feels tired and restless when your brain receives insufficient glucose.
Blurry vision- Your vision becomes blurry when body fluid is pulled out of tissues, including lenses of the eyes.
In addition to the above symptoms, a person suffering from diabetes can also suffer from swollen and tender gums, and their cuts or wounds heal slowly. Since the symptoms of diabetes can be difficult to identify, it often goes undiagnosed. It is better to get a checkup by a doctor if you have any of the above symptoms. Even though the symptoms may differ from person to person, the two symptoms that occur in most people are increased thirst and frequent urination. Diabetes may prove to be fatal if not diagnosed and treated on time. However, it is very easily controlled through diet control and medication.
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic afflictions, affecting over 28 million Americans and 171 million people worldwide. Diabetes is an enduring condition in which the pancreas fails to produce a hormone, insulin, which is responsible for carrying digested sugars from food to other cells. Due to the absence or insufficient production of insulin, body cells don't get the required glucose for producing ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). ATP is an enzyme that allows cells to obtain and use energy.
Diabetes is usually of two types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 occurs as a result of an autoimmune response to a viral attack on the pancreas. Type 2 occurs when people consume high amounts of sugar, carbohydrates, and animal products causing fat reserves of the body to metabolize. In both types of diabetes, signs and symptoms are likely to be similar, resulting in high blood sugar due to defective insulin metabolism.
Type 1 & 2 Diabetes: Similar Symptoms
Frequent urination - Due to excess glucose in the body, frequent urination occurs. As a result, you feel dehydrated.
Excessive thirst - When the concentration of glucose increases in the blood, our brain receives signals for diluting it, and as a result we feel thirsty.
Extreme hunger - When sugar levels increase in our blood, our body produces insulin, which is known to stimulate hunger.
Unusual weight loss or gain - Due to increased urination, metabolism of fat and protein your body may cause you to lose weight. Conversely, you may gain weight due to an increase in your appetite.
Increased fatigue - Due to decreased production of insulin, instead of glucose, your bodies' fat reserves are metabolized to gain energy. More energy is consumed when fat is metabolized compared to glucose. As a result of this negative calorie effect, you feel fatigued.
Irritability - You feels tired and restless when your brain receives insufficient glucose.
Blurry vision- Your vision becomes blurry when body fluid is pulled out of tissues, including lenses of the eyes.
In addition to the above symptoms, a person suffering from diabetes can also suffer from swollen and tender gums, and their cuts or wounds heal slowly. Since the symptoms of diabetes can be difficult to identify, it often goes undiagnosed. It is better to get a checkup by a doctor if you have any of the above symptoms. Even though the symptoms may differ from person to person, the two symptoms that occur in most people are increased thirst and frequent urination. Diabetes may prove to be fatal if not diagnosed and treated on time. However, it is very easily controlled through diet control and medication.
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