What are the symptoms of diabetes mellitus?
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Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus
Introduction to Diabetes Mellitus Symptoms
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. This condition leads to various symptoms and complications affecting multiple organs and systems in the body1 2 3.
Common Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
Polyuria and Polydipsia
One of the hallmark symptoms of diabetes mellitus is polyuria, which is frequent urination. This occurs because the kidneys attempt to excrete excess glucose from the blood, leading to increased urine production. Consequently, this leads to polydipsia, or excessive thirst, as the body tries to compensate for the fluid loss1 2 3 4.
Weight Loss and Polyphagia
Unintentional weight loss is another common symptom, often accompanied by polyphagia, or increased hunger. Despite eating more, individuals with diabetes may lose weight because their bodies cannot effectively use glucose for energy, leading to the breakdown of fat and muscle for fuel1 2 3 4.
Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is a frequent complaint among individuals with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause the lens of the eye to swell, leading to temporary changes in vision1 2 3 4.
Acute Complications
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
In type 1 diabetes, a severe lack of insulin can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition characterized by high blood sugar, ketone production, and acidosis. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and confusion8.
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
In type 2 diabetes, a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) can occur, marked by extremely high blood sugar levels without significant ketone production. This condition can lead to severe dehydration, altered consciousness, and even coma1 2 3 4.
Long-term Complications
Retinopathy
Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina, potentially causing vision loss1 2 3 4.
Nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathy, or kidney damage, is another long-term complication. It can progress to renal failure if not managed properly1 2 3 4.
Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves in the extremities, can cause pain, tingling, and loss of sensation. Autonomic neuropathy can affect various bodily functions, leading to gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and cardiovascular symptoms, as well as sexual dysfunction1 2 3 4.
Cardiovascular Disease
Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Hypertension and abnormalities in lipid metabolism are also common in people with diabetes1 2 3 4.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are prevalent among individuals with diabetes and are often linked to poor glycemic control and diabetic complications, particularly peripheral neuropathy. Common GI symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation10.
Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus presents with a wide range of symptoms, from frequent urination and excessive thirst to severe complications like diabetic ketoacidosis and chronic conditions such as retinopathy and neuropathy. Effective management of blood sugar levels is crucial to mitigate these symptoms and prevent long-term damage. Understanding these symptoms can aid in early diagnosis and better management of diabetes.
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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 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 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 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
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
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.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedType 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic endocrine disorder in which pancreatic cells stop producing insulin, leading to hyperglycemia and ketosis, with a focus on optimizing glucose control to reduce acute and long-term complications.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDIABETES MELLITUS: CLASSIFICATION, EPIDEMIOLOGY, PHYSIOPATHOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, RISK FACTORS, PREVENTION AND NUTRITION.
Early treatment of overweight, a nutrient-dense diet, regular physical activity, and quitting alcohol and smoking can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its complications.
GI symptoms in diabetes mellitus are associated with both poor glycemic control and diabetic complications
GI symptoms in diabetes mellitus are linked to diabetic complications, particularly peripheral neuropathy, and poor glycemic control.
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