6 Early Symptoms of Diabetes to Pay Attention to

Has been reviewed and approved by dr. AB Wardoyo, Sp.PD

Blood sugar, often called glucose, is the main source of energy for our body and plays an important role in maintaining the function of vital organs. However, imbalances in blood sugar levels can trigger various health problems, including diabetes. This disease has become a global pandemic, threatening millions of lives every year. To understand more deeply about diabetes and its symptoms, let's look at the complete review below.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus, or better known as diabetes, is a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. This disease can attack anyone, regardless of age or gender. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that they have diabetes in the early stages because the symptoms are often non-specific and easy to miss.

There are three main types of diabetes, namely:

• Type 1 diabetes. An autoimmune disease that appears suddenly and quickly. The cause is that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are genetic and environmental.

• Type 2 diabetes. An autoimmune disease that develops gradually due to insulin resistance which is often associated with obesity and lack of physical activity.

• Diabetes gestational. An autoimmune disease that develops when the mother is pregnant and generally disappears after giving birth.

Early Symptoms of Diabetes need to be aware

1. Often Feel Thirsty and Hungry

One of the most common signs of diabetes is excessive thirst (polydipsia) and increased appetite (polyphagia). Even though you have drunk a lot, you still don't feel thirsty enough.

2. Frequent urination

Increased frequency of urination, especially at night, is also a typical symptom. This happens because the kidneys try to get rid of excess sugar in the blood through urine. 

3. Weight Loss

Even though their appetite increases, many diabetes sufferers actually experience weight loss. This is because the body has difficulty converting glucose into energy, so the body burns fat and muscle instead. 

4. Weak and Tired

Constant fatigue is another symptom often experienced by diabetes sufferers. This happens because the body's cells do not get enough glucose to produce energy. 

5. Blurred Vision

Drastic changes in blood sugar levels can affect the lens of the eye, causing blurred vision.

6. Slow Healing Wounds

A compromised immune system in diabetes sufferers can hinder the wound healing process. Even small wounds can become serious infections. 

Symptoms of Diabetes in Certain Groups 

Children

• Drastic weight loss. When children have diabetes, the body has difficulty converting food into energy. As a result, the body burns fat and muscle as an alternative energy source, so that the child's weight decreases drastically.

• Often feel stomach ache. High blood sugar levels can cause various digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting and stomach ache. Additionally, in type 1 diabetes, the body can produce ketones which can cause severe stomach pain.

• Easy to get infections. High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making children more susceptible to infections. Even small wounds can become serious infections.

Women

• Recurrent urinary tract infections. High blood sugar levels in diabetes sufferers can create an environment that invites the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. This makes women with diabetes more susceptible to recurring urinary tract infections.

• Decreased sex drive. Diabetics may be less interested in sex because of the symptoms caused by diabetes. For example, diabetes can cause vaginal dryness and nerve damage, making sex less enjoyable.

• Vision worsens. Undiagnosed or untreated diabetes can damage small blood vessels, including the blood vessels in the eyes. This can cause loss of vision or even blindness over time. 

Man

• Erectile dysfunction. High blood sugar levels over a long period of time can damage blood vessels and nerves which play an important role in the erection process. This damage inhibits blood flow to the penis making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.

• Fungal infection. Men with diabetes have a higher risk of recurrent yeast infections in the genital area. High blood sugar makes the conditions around the penis moist and sweet, so that fungus can easily grow and reproduce. 

Early detection of diabetes is very important to prevent more serious complications, such as heart disease, nerves, kidney damage and blindness. Therefore, if you experience the symptoms above, immediately consult a doctor for further examination. 

Premier Bintaro Hospital has a Internal Medicine Specialist team which is committed to providing high quality health services. With sophisticated medical equipment and supported by professional medical staff, Premier Bintaro Hospital is ready to help you overcome various health problems, including diabetes.

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