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Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes is caused by malfunction in insulin production or insulin sensitivity in cells, which leads to hyperglycemia or high blood sugar levels. Some general symptoms include: polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia. There are three major types of diabetes: Type-1, Type-2 and gestational diabetes.

Type-1 diabetes, or juvenile diabetes, is often diagnosed in children, teens or young adults and can be hereditary. It is characterized by the absence or decrease in insulin due to autoimmune destruction of insulin producing cells within the pancreas. This type of diabetes exhibit the following symptoms:
• Recurrent swings in blood sugar levels
• Dry mouth
• Rapid breathing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blurry eyesight
• Fatigue
• Fruity smelling breath
• Nausea.

These patients require life-long insulin injections to maintain normal glucose levels to prevent multiple organ damage. Great care is taken in order to train patients in testing blood sugar levels and appropriate dosing amounts of insulin. Incorrect levels of insulin can result in low blood sugar leading to seizures and loss of consciousness.

Type-2 diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes and develops slowly over time. It occurs when adipocytes, hepatocytes and muscle cells become resistant to insulin. As a result, glucose accumulates in the blood. A good diabetes supply kit can help manage Type-2 diabetes by closely monitoring blood sugar levels and helping patients adjust diet and activity. Symptoms of Type-2 diabetes may not manifest for many years though early symptoms can include the following:
• Slow healing
• Frequent infections
• Fatigue
• Hunger
• Blurred vision
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fat accumulation
• Prickling pin-needle sensation in the extremities.

Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women who are unable to control blood glucose levels because of hormones associated with pregnancy. Risk of contracting gestational diabetes will increase in women who are:
• Older than 25
• Have had babies weighing greater than 9 pounds
• Have high blood pressure
• Have excessive amniotic fluid during pregnancy
• Have had an unexplained miscarriage
• Are overweight.
Symptoms are almost non-existent in gestational diabetics with blood sugar returns to normal post-delivery. If symptoms are present, they tend to include the following:
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections
• Nausea and vomiting.

Pregnant women are tested in the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy using an oral glucose tolerance test. If a positive diagnosis is made, the usual treatment is often diet and exercise. Close monitoring of the mother’s blood glucose using home diabetes supplies such as glucometers is done to ensure the baby is developing normally.

Indicators of a positive diagnosis are: two fasting blood glucose levels higher than 126 mg/dL, non-fasting blood glucose levels higher than 200 mg/dL, and oral glucose tolerance tests higher than 200 mg/dL after two hours. Urinalysis ketone testing is used with levels higher than 240 mg/dL when nausea and vomiting is present or during pregnancy. Hemoglobin A1c tests are used to measure the average blood glucose levels over a period of time. Pre-diabetes occurs at 5.7-6.4% while diabetes occurs at greater than 6.5%. Screening is indicated for overweight children who have other risk factors starting at 10 years old and will be repeated every two years. Adults with BMI’s greater than 25 and adults over the age of 45 will be screened every 3 years. Early diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes is key in effective treatment.

A variety of diabetes supplies can be used to monitor and manage blood sugar The technology utilized is expanding greatly as more people are diagnosed with diabetes. The glucometers available have features that allow transition into diabetic lifestyle easier. These include talking meters, data storage capabilities, read out LED displays, reduced testing times, reduced size for portability as well as increased accuracy with smaller samples. Using different diabetes supplies can ensure a physician’s ability to accurately diagnosis and manage this chronic medical condition.