The problems of a diabetic in adults are often more severe than those of children for many reasons. They also may not manifest in the same ways. It is important to understand the problems of diabetics in adults in order to affectively treat the disease and promote good health.
As we grow older our immune system grows weaker without the complications of diabetes. Diabetes causes a weakened immune system that grows weaker with age. Also, problems that normally occur in the elderly such as eye problems, teeth problems, cholesterol and high blood pressure problems occur at early ages in adults with diabetes.
Diabetic Symptoms in Adults
The symptoms of a diabetic in adults are very similar to those of children. The only major difference is juvenile diabetes causes mood swings and irritability that are not normally observed in type-2 diabetics. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of the diabetic in adults are as follows:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
- Areas of darkened skin
Diabetic Seizures in Adults
Diabetic seizures in adults can be caused by both hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Hypoglycemic diabetes seizures are far more common. The brain depends on sugar to work and low blood sugar reduces the activity of the neurons in the brain. This is the brains way of preserving bodily function, according to LiveStrong.com. This reduction of activity leads to a seizure.
On the other hand, in hyperglycemia the brain becomes overexcited because of the imbalance. In other words, too much sugar causes the neurons to work harder. Just like a power surge causes the breakdown of equipment, the neurons begin to ‘short circuit’. This is what causes this kind of seizure.
Many times diabetic seizures occur at night, when blood sugar levels become too low. If a diabetic wakes up before the seizure progresses too far, they will usually throw off blankets, request a cold washcloth, or feel nauseated. Sometimes the person doesn’t even wake up during the seizure. They wake up the next morning with a headache, high blood sugar, and damp sheets from night sweats.
If someone shows symptoms of a seizure, seek medical help immediately. Test the person’s blood sugar levels to determine if it is high or low. Low blood sugar levels can often be resolved by placing some honey or syrup on the gums. However, do not attempt to give the person anything more to eat or drink because they could choke. If the cause of the seizure is that blood sugar levels are too high you can give the person extra insulin to lower it, but don’t do this if you don’t know how (eHow.com, 2012).
