Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that causes glucose (sugar) to build up in the bloodstream due to a lack of insulin. Since glucose supplies our bodies with the energy required to do everyday tasks, a variety of health problems can ensue if it’s not able to get into our cells.
Recent studies show that the incidence of diabetes is on the rise in the U.S. Our goal is to educate our patients about managing their diabetes and preventing long term complications.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
Many people have minimal symptoms or none at all. Only a doctor’s test can give you an accurate diagnosis. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor.
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
What is Type 1 diabetes? Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas makes little or no insulin. It is diagnosed most frequently in children and young adults but can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes often appears suddenly. The following are the most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.
Symptoms may include:
- Unusual thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss despite extreme hunger
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme weakness and fatigue
- Irritability and mood changes
In children, symptoms may be similar to those of having the flu. Some very young children may start bedwetting again.
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
What is Type 2 diabetes? Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot make the amount of insulin the body requires. In addition, the patient is less sensitive to the effects of insulin. While it is most commonly diagnosed after the age of 40, Type 2 Diabetes is now being reported at younger ages, including teens and adolescents.
Most people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms. It is usually diagnosed with blood tests during routine clinical evaluations. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.
Symptoms may include:
- Frequent infections that do not heal easily
- Unusual thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss despite extreme hunger
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme weakness and fatigue
- Irritability and mood changes
- Dry, itchy skin
- Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet
Some people who have type 2 diabetes exhibit no symptoms. Symptoms may be mild and almost unnoticeable, or easy to confuse with signs of aging. Half of all Americans who have diabetes do not know it.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Endocrinology Service
Crozer Health endocrinologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and disorders of the thyroid, metabolism and endocrine system. The endocrine system consists of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, pancreas, adrenal cortex, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands and gonads.