Symptoms of Diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes:
- Sudden onset of symptoms including increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), extreme hunger (polyphagia), and unexplained weight loss.
- Fatigue, irritability, blurred vision, and recurrent infections may also occur.
Type 2 Diabetes:
- Gradual onset of symptoms similar to type 1, but generally later in life and associated with obesity
- Fatigue, increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, slow wound healing, and tingling or numbness in hands or feet.
- Some individuals may experience no symptoms initially, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Gestational Diabetes:
- Often asymptomatic, but may present with increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
- Detected through routine screening during pregnancy.
- Commonly leads to development of Type 2 diabetes later in life
Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Early detection of symptoms and prompt medical evaluation are crucial for effective management and prevention of complications.
- Healthcare providers conduct diagnostic tests such as fasting blood sugar, oral glucose tolerance test, and HbA1c to confirm diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment strategies.
- Treatment includes improving lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Taking medication to help control glucose levels.
- Bariatric surgery is highly effective at treating Type 2 diabetes and obesity.