Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease affecting glucose levels and resulting in other complications. Learning about its different types allows individuals to detect its symptoms, prompting them to ask for help from their healthcare providers.
Prediabetes
It’s a condition where a person’s blood sugar level is higher than usual, reaching 100 to 125 mg/dLinstead of the normal 70 to 99 mg/dL. While it’s not considered as a full-blown illness yet, it can lead to the type 2 variant of the disease.
Individuals who are more likely to develop prediabetes are people diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and those of certain ancestries, such as Native and African-Americans, Hispanics, and Pacific Islanders. Other risk factors include obesity, old age, and a sedentary lifestyle.
When individuals notice the symptoms of this condition, they should consult a doctor to prevent complications and undergo treatments. Here are the warning signs:
- Blurry vision
- Darkened skin
- Excessive urination
- Increased appetite
- Lack of concentration
- Unusual thirstiness
- Weariness
Type 1
It occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to balance glucose levels, so an affected individual needs to take artificial forms of the hormone. Although this type can develop any time, most doctors refer to it as juvenile-onset diabetes because it commonly begins in childhood. If left untreated, it can lead to other health problems, such as stroke, heart disease, and damage to the eyes, nerves, and kidneys.
The risk factors of this condition include young age, genetics, family history, early diet, viral infections, and other autoimmune diseases. People of certain ethnicities, such as Caucasians, are also prone to this illness. These individuals should watch out for these symptoms:
- Bedwetting in children
- Extreme hunger
- Fatigue
- Increased urination
- Mood changes
- Weight loss
Type 2
It’s a lifelong condition where the insulin is insufficient or the body doesn’t use it properly, making it difficult for glucose to enter the cells and building up sugar in the bloodstream. In extreme cases, type 2 diabetes leads to skin infections, cardiovascular diseases, hearing problems, and damage to the retina and multiple nerves.
The risk factors and symptoms of this illness are similar to prediabetes. When individuals notice them, they should consult a healthcare professional who can advise treatments and lifestyle changes.
Gestational
It’s an illness where an expecting mother develops a high glucose level during pregnancy. If not given immediate attention, gestational diabetes can lead to complications that affect the baby, such as excessive weight, early birth, and breathing problems.
People who are overweight, lacking in physical activity, and are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome at a greater risk of developing this disease. While most individuals don’t show symptoms, they should watch out for increased thirst and urination.
Early detection and treatment are crucial in ensuring an individual’s well-being. People who are at a higher risk of these types and are displaying symptoms should consult a doctor with a diabetes CME. They’re knowledgeable in this metabolic disease, so patients are assured that they’ll get accurate diagnoses and proper care.
