Last Updated on Saturday, 08 August 2009 12:17

Diabetes Symptoms and Types

The following are all symtpoms and signs of diabetes. Any one experiencing a combination of these symtpoms should see their doctor.

• Polydipsia or increased thirst

• Polyuria or increased frequency of urination

• Polyphegia or increased hunger

• Increased fatigue

• Weight fluctuation

• Blurred vision

• Irritability

Increased risk of fungal or bacterial infections such as those affecting the skin or the urinary tract
Impaired ability to heal after injuries.

People with Type 1 diabetes usually develop these symptoms within days or weeks.

In those with Type 2 diabetes, these symptoms often do not show for years. Many cases are diagnosed by chance through routine medical check-ups.

Family history or heredity plays a part in diabetes. 10% of people with Type 1 diabetes have a family history of diabetes, while for Type 2 sufferers this incidence is over 30%.

Types of Diabetes

  

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin. Cells that normally defend our body from harmful organisms destroy the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. This is called an ‘auto-immune’ process, which means that our body appears to turn against itself. This may be an inherited tendency, triggered by unknown factors in the environment.

Type 1 diabetes can affect both children and adults, though a majority of cases are found among children. Hence, it was initially known as "juvenile diabetes".

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of the disease among adults. When you have Type 2 diabetes, usually your pancreas is producing some insulin but that insulin does not work properly.

Pregnancy diabetes

Also called gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy diabetes resembles type 2 diabetes.

• It is a combination of relatively inadequate insulin secretion and increased resistance to the hormone.

• Pregnancy diabetes occurs in 2%–10% of pregnancies and may improve or disappear after childbirth.

• Complete recovery can be achieved but requires careful medical supervision throughout pregnancy.

• About 20%–50% of affected women develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

• Often, there are no apparent symptoms.

Secondary diabetes

There are several rare forms of diabetes. These may be secondary conditions of another disease – such as inflammation of the pancreas – or may be caused by the use of certain medication such as diuretics or steroids.