Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease condition wherein the body cannot produce insulin or the cells are unable to respond to it. Because of this blood sugar levels soar – a condition known medically as hyperglycemia. The three classic symptoms of diabetes are polyuria (increased frequency of urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger).

There are 3 kinds of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile onset diabetes. This is brought upon by an autoimmune destruction of the body’s beta cells – the cells mainly responsible for insulin production. As a result the body becomes unable to produce insulin. Common type 1 diabetes symptoms are increased urine production, excessive thirst, loss of weight, fatigue, increased appetite, feeling sick, blurred vision and infections.

Type 2 diabetes is also known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). In type 2 DM the body is able to produce insulin but the cells are resistant to it and are unable use it properly. This is considered to be less threatening than type 1 DM because it is slow in onset. But that doesn’t make it less dangerous. Without proper management dangerous complications can result. Type 2 diabetes symptoms are increased thirst, dry mouth, increased hunger, weight loss, frequent urination, fatigue, headaches and blurred vision.

Gestational diabetes is the condition wherein pregnant women experience having high blood sugar – usually in the third trimester of pregnancy. This is thought to be because of hormonal changes brought upon by pregnancy. Unlike Type 1 and 2, there are only a few gestational diabetes symptoms. They are blurred vision, nausea, weight loss, increased thirst, increased urination, skin infection and vomiting. This condition is not chronic and usually resolves by itself after child birth.

In managing diabetes it is important to exercise regularly, take medications and follow a diabetes diet. In taking medications you should be careful in following the correct timing. Failure to do so can result in hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia symptoms are palpitations, cold clammy skin, and dizziness. Diabetes causes are usually attributed to a person lifestyle – except for type 1 DM which is an autoimmune disease. Diabetes treatment also includes weight reduction. In order to do this properly you should check your bmi. Your body mass index (BMI) will tell you what your ideal weight is. If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes but are exhibiting DM symptoms then you can use the diabetes symptom checker to verify whether or not you have diabetes.

Those who are diabetic should take care to avoid catching the flu. Having diabetes makes it more challenging for the body to combat the viruses that cause it. Diabetes flu symptoms are fever, dry cough, severe headache and sore throat. Diabetic patients are also more prone to getting thyroid problems. They develop either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Thyroid symptoms in hypothyroidism are fatigue, constipation, hair loss, memory loss and dry skin. While in hyperthyroidism, common symptoms are weight loss, diarrhea, palpitations, insomnia and hot flushes.

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