Diabetes. Warning symptoms.

Diabetes is a worrying illness that is suffered by 8.5% of the world’s population, in other words, around 108 million people according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Diabetes presents itself in two types.

Type 1 is found in children and adolescents and Type 2 is found in adults. Diabetes Type 1 occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin and Diabetes Type 2 takes place when the insulin that is produced by the pancreas does not work.

Diabetes normally takes place when a set of factors come together, such as a genetic predisposition, obesity, bad nutrition and a lack of exercise, etc. especially in Type 2 Diabetes or that of adults. Type 1 Diabetes is due to a problem in the immune system that destroys the pancreas.

Warning symptoms:

• A disproportionate increase in appetite.
• An intense thirst that is never satiated.
• ‘Polyuria’ or a continuous production of urine even during the night.
• Weight loss, exhaustion and tiredness.
• Urinary infections.
• An abundant production of ketone bodies which gives urine the smell of ammonia.
• The emergence of illnesses caused by fungi such as ‘Candidiasis’, which shows through 'rhagades’ or lesions in the corners of the mouth as well as genital infections.
• Gradual blurry vision due to the retina being affected.
• A loss of feeling and numbness in fingers and toes.
• Injuries and scrapes that do not heal in an appropriate amount of time. 

These symptoms can present themselves more or less frequently, but the sudden appearance of the first three symptoms in children will result in a medical emergency due their extreme gravity.

Prediabetes consists of an increase in glycaemia and presents minor symptoms without leading to diabetes and by putting basic measures in place such as diet and exercise, we will be able to avoid it developing into diabetes.

Lastly, I want to finish with a warning in regards to diabetes and the thyroid.

Recent studies have shown that there is a connection between them so it is recommended that a study of the thyroid gland be completed when faced with symptoms of diabetes or prediabetes.

Dr J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus