Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Symptoms

The onset of Type 1 diabetes can be sudden, and people often have pronounced symptoms. These include:

• Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination: High blood sugar levels lead to more glucose being filtered into the urine, drawing in more water and increasing the need to urinate – especially at night.


• Sudden Weight Loss: Without the ability to use glucose, the body starts burning fat and muscle for energy, leading to weight loss.


• Fatigue and Weakness: As cells receive less glucose, this can lead to feelings of tiredness and general weakness.


• Recurring Cases of Thrush: Increased blood sugar levels result in more sugar in sweat, saliva, and urine, which helps the fungus that causes thrush to grow.


• Blurred Vision: High levels of glucose in the blood can cause fluid to be pulled from the eye’s lenses, affecting the ability to focus.

Treatments

Managing Type 1 diabetes involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments and medical interventions:

• Insulin Therapy: For people with type 1 diabetes, this treatment is essential for survival. It involves regular insulin injections or an insulin pump to regulate blood sugar levels.


• Blood Glucose Monitoring: People with Type 1 diabetes must regularly test their blood sugar levels to manage their condition effectively.


• Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial in regulating blood sugar levels. Proper management of Type 1 diabetes is critical to prevent complications and maintain a high quality of life.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition, Type 2 is more commonly associated with lifestyle factors and can often be managed with lifestyle changes and monitoring.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can be more subtle and develop gradually, including:

• Persistent Thirst: Perhaps the most noticeable symptom, this happens due to high blood sugar levels.


• Frequent Urination, Especially at Night: The kidneys work harder to filter and absorb excess sugar.


• Unexplained Weight Loss: Weight loss occurs when the body starts burning fat and muscle for energy due to insufficient glucose utilisation.


• Fatigue: Energy levels dip as cells become deprived of glucose.


• Itching Around the Penis or Vagina: Increased blood sugar results in more sugar in your sweat, saliva, and urine, which helps the fungus that causes thrush to grow.


• Blurred Vision: High levels of glucose in the blood can cause fluid to be pulled from the eye’s lenses, affecting the ability to focus.


• Cuts or Wounds Taking Longer to Heal: Increased blood sugar affects circulation, making it harder to get nutrients to wounds to heal them.

Treatments

Treatment for Type 2 diabetes typically involves:

• Lifestyle Changes: A healthy diet and regular exercise are crucial in managing weight and blood sugar levels.


• Medications: These may include metformin to lower blood sugar levels and, in some cases, insulin therapy.


• Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regular monitoring helps in managing the condition effectively.

For many, with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and managing diet, it is possible to reduce blood sugar levels to normal, so the condition is in remission. Being in remission means it is possible to live without the need for medication or daily monitoring so long as the lifestyle changes are maintained.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you think you are suffering from any of these symptoms, seeing a doctor as soon as possible is crucial. Untreated diabetes can cause serious health problems. You can register online here if you live in London and have not yet registered with a GP.