Diabetes Mellitus Blog

The first symptoms of diabetes are related to the direct effects of high blood sugar levels. When this value increases over the 160 to 180 mg / dl, glucose passes into the urine. When the value is even higher, the kidneys secrete an extra amount of water to dilute the lost large amounts of glucose. Since producing excessive urination, eliminating large volumes of urine (polyuria) and, therefore, appears abnormal sensation of thirst (polydipsia). Also, due to too many calories are lost in urine, a loss of weight and, as compensation, the person often feels exaggerated hunger (polyphagia). Other symptoms include blurred vision, drowsiness, nausea and decreased endurance during exercise. In addition, if diabetes is poorly controlled, patients are more vulnerable to infections. Due to the severity of insulin deficiency, is common in cases of type I diabetes lose weight before treatment. However, not so in type II diabetes.

In type I diabetics symptoms usually begin suddenly and can progress rapidly to a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Despite the high levels of blood sugar, most cells can not use sugar without insulin and therefore turn to other energy sources. Fat cells begin to decompose and produce ketone bodies, a toxic chemical that can cause blood acidity (ketoacidosis). Initial symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and, especially in children, abdominal pain. Breathing becomes deeper and faster because the body tries to correct the acidity of the blood. The person’s breath smells like nail polish remover. If not applied any treatment, diabetic ketoacidosis can progress and lead to coma, sometimes within hours.

Patients with type I diabetes may show the symptoms of ketoacidosis, even after starting treatment with insulin, if they miss a shot or if they suffer an infection, an accident or serious illness. Type II diabetes may not cause any symptoms for years or decades. When the insulin deficiency progresses, symptoms begin to appear. At first, increased urination and thirst are moderated, but gradually worsen over time. Ketoacidosis is a rare condition. If the concentration of blood sugar is very high (greater than 1000 mg / dl), usually by stress caused by infection or a drug, severe dehydration occurs, mental confusion, drowsiness, convulsions and a condition called hyperosmolar hyperglycemic coma nonketotic.

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