What is diabetes and what are its symptoms?
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Understanding Diabetes and Its Symptoms
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both1 2 3 4 5 6. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream to use for energy. When insulin function is impaired, glucose accumulates in the blood, leading to hyperglycemia.
Types of Diabetes
There are two primary types of diabetes:
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Type 1 Diabetes: This type is caused by an absolute deficiency of insulin due to autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It often manifests in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age1 2 3 4 5 6 9.
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Type 2 Diabetes: This more common type results from a combination of resistance to insulin action and an inadequate compensatory insulin secretory response. It often develops in adults but is increasingly seen in younger populations due to rising obesity rates1 2 3 4 5 6.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of diabetes are primarily due to high blood sugar levels and can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Polyuria: Frequent urination1 2 3 4 5 6.
- Polydipsia: Increased thirst1 2 3 4 5 6.
- Polyphagia: Increased hunger, sometimes accompanied by weight loss1 2 3 4 5 6.
- Blurred Vision: Due to changes in the lens of the eye caused by high blood sugar1 2 3 4 5 6.
Additional Symptoms
Other symptoms that may accompany diabetes include:
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness due to the body's inability to use glucose for energy efficiently8.
- Infections: Increased susceptibility to infections, particularly of the skin and urinary tract1 2 3 4 5 6.
- Slow Healing: Wounds and sores that heal slowly1 2 3 4 5 6.
- Pain and Numbness: Especially in the extremities, due to nerve damage (neuropathy)1 2 3 4 5 6.
Severe Symptoms
In severe cases, diabetes can lead to acute, life-threatening conditions such as:
- Ketoacidosis: A condition where the body starts breaking down fats at an excessive rate, producing ketones, which can lead to diabetic coma1 2 3 4 5 6.
- Hyperosmolar Syndrome: Extremely high blood sugar levels without ketones, leading to severe dehydration and altered consciousness1 2 3 4 5 6.
Long-term Complications
Chronic hyperglycemia can cause long-term damage to various organs, leading to complications such as:
- Retinopathy: Damage to the eyes, potentially leading to blindness1 2 3 4 5 6.
- Nephropathy: Kidney damage, which can result in renal failure1 2 3 4 5 6.
- Neuropathy: Nerve damage, increasing the risk of foot ulcers, amputations, and Charcot joints1 2 3 4 5 6.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease1 2 3 4 5 6.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a complex and chronic condition that requires careful management to prevent acute and long-term complications. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking appropriate medical care can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia caused by defects in insulin secretion or insulin action, leading to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs.
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedDiagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by resistance to insulin action and inadequate insulin secretory response, and may present for long periods without symptoms before diagnosis.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia caused by defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, leading to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus The information that follows is based largely on the reports of the Expert Committee on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes (Diabetes Care 20:1183–1197, 1997, and Diabetes Care 26:3160–3167, 2003).
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia caused by defects in insulin secretion or insulin action, leading to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, with long-term damage to various organs and increased risk of complications.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia caused by defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, leading to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus The information that follows is based largely on the reports of the Expert Committee on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes (Diabetes Care 20:1183–1197, 1997, and Diabetes Care 26:3160–3167, 2003).
Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of insulin resistance and insulin deficiency, with autoimmune destruction of pancreatic b-cells as a primary cause.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCharacterization of Symptoms and Symptom Clusters for Type 2 Diabetes Using a Large Nationwide Electronic Health Record Database.
This study identified 59 type 2 diabetes-related symptoms using a large nationwide electronic health record database, including both over-represented and rare symptoms.
Observational StudyType 1 diabetes mellitus
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease characterized by insulin deficiency due to pancreatic -cell loss, with a cure not yet available.
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