Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It’s also the brain’s main source of fuel.
The main cause of diabetes varies by type. No matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems.
Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potenially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes happens when blood sugar levels are higher than normal. But the blood sugar levels aren’t high enough to be called diabetes. Prediabetes can lead to diabetes unless steps are taken to prevent it. Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy, but it may go away after the baby is born.
Symptoms
Diabetes symptoms depend on how high your blood sugar is. Some people, especially if the have prediabetes, gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes, may not have symptoms. In type 1 diabetes, symptoms tend to come on quickly and be more severe.
Some of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are:
- Feeling mor thirsty than usual
- Urinating often
- Losing weight without trying
- Presence of ketones in the urine. Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there’s not enough available insulin
- Feeling tired and weak
- Feeling irritable or having other mood changes
- Having blurry vision
- Having slow-healing sores
- Getting a lot of infections, such as gum, skin and vaginal infections
Type 1 diabetes can start at any age. But is often starts during childhood or teenage years. Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, can develop at any age. Type 2 diabetes is more common in people older than 40. But type 2 diabetes in children is increasing.
When to consult a physician
Kidney Consultants of New Mexico can help you with diagnosing or treating your diabetes symptoms.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes: Kidney Consultants of New Mexico can ensure that your condition will be followed-up with constant montioring until your blood sugar levels stabilize.
Meet with a specialist
To schedule an appointment with our office, please fill out the form below and one of our staff members will contact you to schedule your appointment!
FAQs – Diabetes
1. What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a group of conditions that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). High blood sugar levels can lead to serious health problems if not properly managed.
2. What are the common symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, mood changes, blurry vision, slow-healing sores, and frequent infections.
3. What are the different types of diabetes?
The main types include Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes and gestational diabetes are other conditions that can affect blood sugar levels.
4. Can diabetes occur without symptoms?
Yes. Some people, particularly those with prediabetes, gestational diabetes, or Type 2 diabetes, may have few or no noticeable symptoms.
5. When should I see a doctor about diabetes?
You should consult a healthcare professional if you experience diabetes symptoms or have been diagnosed with diabetes and need ongoing monitoring and treatment to help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
