Diabetes symptoms differ greatly depending upon how far your blood glucose level has been elevated. Some individuals, particularly those with type 1 or prediabetes, may not experience typical symptoms. However, in patients with type 1 diabetes, typical symptoms usually occur fairly quickly and are more severe. Unfortunately, not everyone who suffers from diabetes experiences these symptoms.
A major complication of diabetes is nerve damage. Nerve damage can result from either excessive glucose levels in the bloodstream or the inability of the body to process glucose adequately. This leads to damage to the peripheral nerves, which are located near the skin and involved in transmitting sensations from the extremities to the brain. When nerves are damaged, patients with diabetes may experience loss of sensation, weakness, dizziness, and difficulty swallowing.
Another risk factor for developing diabetes is poor muscle coordination. This is true even in individuals without diabetes. Individuals with diabetes often have aching arms, legs, and feet. In addition, diabetes often leads to poor muscle tone and mass. It can cause a person to become unnaturally thin, even though muscle is not converted to fat. Muscle weakness is one of the primary symptoms of diabetes.
The risk factors for developing diabetes increase along with an individual’s weight. For example, if a person is overweight, they are at an increased risk of developing diabetes. Researchers believe that some genes may be responsible for an individual’s tendency to store excess glucose in their tissues, rather than using it as energy. When people with diabetes cannot control their diabetes due to factors such as poor muscle tone and mass, the result is poor blood glucose control and potential for developing diabetic neuropathy.
Besides diabetes itself, other complications of the disease may include kidney failure, nerve damage, circulation problems, eye problems, heart problems, and eye irritation. These complications can be dangerous and even fatal. When people develop kidney failure, there is a high risk for a person to suffer from organ failure. When circulation problems occur, the eyesight can be affected and sometimes, the brain can fail. Eye irritation has been known to occur when diabetes and its complications progress.
Diabetics have higher risks factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes often affects the skin, sperm, bones, and heart. This is a medical condition that requires immediate treatment. Obesity, too, is one of the risk factors that can lead to type 2 diabetes and other complications.
Scientists have identified several different types of cells that are involved in the body’s use of glucose as a source of energy. They are glial cells – which are involved in the process of blood cell production; T cells – which are involved in fighting infection; macrophages – which are involved in cleansing and repairing damaged tissue; and esophageal cells – which produce the acid to help digest food. These cells release glucose into the blood stream when they are needed. People with diabetes usually have low levels of these important cells in their bodies, which is why they are more susceptible to the complications of diabetes mellitus.
Obesity has been known to increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. There are a number of environmental factors, such as poor nutrition and lack of exercise, which can contribute to the risk of developing diabetes mellitus. It is important to remain active during pregnancy in order to avoid developing diabetes or the complications of this disease.
A variety of lifestyle and behavioral changes are essential for reversing the course of diabetes. One of the most important factors that can be changed is the diet. The amount of glucose in the bloodstream is dependent on the type of carbohydrates consumed. Therefore, a diet that is high in simple carbohydrates and low in fiber tends to cause a high blood sugar level, which in turn promotes the development of the disease. Changing the diet and reducing the amount of simple carbohydrates that are consumed can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes mellitus.
Hypertension, high blood pressure, and diabetes can also be related through the increased risk of developing kidney failure. Blood flow to the kidneys is dependent upon the size and structure of the kidneys themselves. If these kidneys are unable to properly function, there will be an increased risk of fluid leaking into the surrounding tissues. This can result in damage to these tissues and can eventually lead to kidney failure. It is important to keep your kidneys functioning properly in order to avoid kidney disease and the development of diabetes.
Diabetes, if left untreated, has been linked with heart disease. The pancreas makes insulin, which allows the body to maintain glucose levels in the blood stream. Excessive amounts of glucose can cause the pancreas to malfunction and can lead to the body failing to properly regulate sugar levels and produce enough insulin. Heart disease is associated with diabetes when there is an imbalance between the amount of blood flow to the heart and the production of insulin by the pancreas. In type 2 diabetes, the condition is more apparent because the body cannot make enough insulin to satisfy the body’s needs and can cause it to work improperly.
