Diabetes Mellitus symptoms occur when the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to properly utilize insulin to metabolize the sugar in the blood properly. When sugar is not metabolized properly the body starts to suffer and you will begin experiencing signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus.
There are two primary types of diabetes mellitus. There is also a condition that falls into this category called gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and generally resolves itself after childbirth. This type of diabetes mellitus can be a combination of type I and type II. Some women with gestational diabetes do not produce an adequate amount of insulin and require insulin injections. Other women produce enough insulin but have a hard time utilizing it properly, thus needing medication to help with insulin absorption.
Type I diabetes is also referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes. This disease occurs when the pancreas does not make enough of the insulin hormone to metabolize blood sugar properly. This condition most often requires insulin injections several times a day or the use of an insulin pump.
Type II diabetes is also called adult onset diabetes or insulin resistant diabetes. This condition occurs when the body produces insulin but cannot absorb it properly. Treatment for this type of diabetes usually consists of diet and activity modifications and oral medications.
Recognizing the Cardinal Signs of Diabetes Mellitus
The cardinal signs of diabetes mellitus are rapid weight loss, excessive thirst (polydipsia), excessive hunger (polyphagia), and frequent and excessive urination (polyuria).
There are many other diabetes mellitus symptoms, as well. However, the symptoms of diabetes mellitus listed above are the most common.
If you are suffering from one or more of these symptoms and you do not know why, contact your physician immediately. You will need to discuss your symptoms. Your physician might also want to schedule testing and develop an action plan to treat and control diabetes mellitus, if necessary.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus?
Based on information obtained from the ADA (American Diabetes Association), other symptoms of diabetes mellitus include:
- Shortness of Breath
- Breathing Difficulty or Fast Breathing
- Increased Heart Rate
- Increased or Profuse Sweating
- Fruity smelling breath, urine or sweat
The combination of these symptoms with the cardinal symptoms could very well be your warning signs. If you are experiencing any of the cardinal symptoms or a combination of any of the other symptoms you should contact your physician to get tested and begin treatment. Diabetes does not mean debilitation or a lifetime of illness. If treated and controlled properly, most people live a wonderful life with diabetes.
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