Diabetes Risks, Symptoms and Consequences

Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders worldwide and its incidence is dramatically increasing. It is a syndrome associated with hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose, or sugar levels in the blood), which occurs when the body experiences a defect in insulin production and or secretion. This defect may occur as a result of destruction of the beta cells which are present in the pancreas and are responsible for insulin production, or increased insulin resistance which means that the body has to release more insulin in order to lower the body’s glucose levels.

You may ask is it really important to keep blood glucose levels within tight limits!! YES, is the short answer. So what are the risks of developing diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, so those individuals with other autoimmune disorders have a higher chance of being affected compared with someone that doesn’t have any other autoimmune disease. Viral infections are also thought to play a part. It tends to manifest in teenagers and young adults, as well as those who have a slim build. Type 2 diabetes tends to present in middle aged subjects who are obese with a high degree of central obesity. There is also a strong genetic link and individuals with high cholesterol levels, high intake of alcohol and fatty foods, high blood pressure and lack of physical exercise are at an increased risk. Risk is also positively correlated with age and the risks are higher in some ethnic groups rather than others.

Symptoms

Symptoms appear quickly in type 1 diabetics over a few weeks and are more severe than those experienced by Type 2 diabetics. The main symptoms are increased thirst or polydipsia, polyuria particularly noticeable during the night, weight loss, genital itching and recurrent infections. In type 1 there are sometimes other symptoms present such as constipation, and blurred vision. In type 2 patients sometimes the first indication of diabetes is nephropathy or foot ulcers. Therefore if you experience any of the above symptoms it is important to visit your clinician.

Consequences

There are several consequences of persistent high blood glucose levels and I am going to mention the main ones:

1. Diabetic retinopathy occurs in some diabetics who fail to keep their blood glucose levels within tight limits. Glaucoma (loss of vision) and cataracts are examples of diabetic eye disease. Symptoms are not present at an early stage but all diabetics must have their eyes especially their retina checked at least once a year for signs of swelling, blood, deposits and other damage.
2. Diabetic nephropathy- one of the main causes of kidney failure in the world. Not all diabetics will develop nephropathy. In nephropathy an individual’s glomerular filtration process is disrupted and proteins which are not normally secreted are secreted by the kidneys as a result. This may lead to nephrotic syndrome and then to end stage renal failure. Dialysis is then required. Symptoms do not appear in the early stages but at later stages sufferers can expect to have signs such as
   accumulation of fluid around the eyes, nausea and vomiting.
3. Diabetic neuropathy- refers to nerve damage caused by high blood glucose levels. Around half of people with diabetes will develop neuropathy in some form or other. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, constipation, swallowing difficulties, speech difficulties and impotence in males.
4. Peripheral vascular disease refers to group of disorders that affect circulation to toes, feet, legs, and common symptoms are muscle cramps, and numbness.
5. Heart disease can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

If anyone suspects they may be suffering from diabetes I suggest they visit their local clinician as soon as possible. With proper management the risks of these consequences can be drastically reduced.