Complications With Diabetes

Diabetes refers to a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is a health necessity because it is an important source of energy for your brain, muscles and tissues. The underlying cause of diabetes varies by type. Type I Diabetes refers to immune system cells that attack and/or destroy your insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. In type II Diabetes, your cells become resistant to insulin, and your pancreas is unable to overcome the resistance. As a result, sugar (glucose) builds up in the bloodstream. While there are two types of diabetes, they share many similar symptoms.

Some symptoms of type I and type II Diabetes are:

• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Increased thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections
• Presence of ketones in urine (byproduct of muscle and fat breakdown as a result of insufficient insulin)

If you suspect that you or someone you may know has diabetes, contact your doctor or health care professional.

For more information on diabetes, click here.