Diabetes is a very widespread disease that affects more and more people. It can develop at any age. There are two different forms of the so-called diabetes mellitus.
Both are metabolic disorders that lead to a constantly elevated blood sugar level. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. The body develops a resistance to the hormone insulin, which normally ensures that the sugar ingested with food is transported from the blood into the various cells, where it can be used to produce energy.
If this signal is missing, the sugar remains in the blood and the blood sugar level is permanently increased. Frequently older humans are concerned by it, factors of risk are predominance and lack of movement. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin are destroyed.
This leads to the same effects as type 2 diabetes, but type 1 diabetes often affects young people. Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly and is therefore often noticed very late. The symptoms are usually not as severe and the diagnosis is often only a random one.
The first signs that prompt the affected person to consult a doctor are frequent urination and extreme thirst. The body tries to flush the excess sugar out of the body via the frequent urge to urinate. This often results in dry and itchy skin, as urination can lead to a lack of fluid in the body (dehydration).
In addition, unexplained weight loss and persistent tiredness and exhaustion often occur. Those affected find that they are very susceptible to infections and that wounds heal less well. This can be explained by the weakening of the immune system.
All these symptoms occur in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, however, the symptoms are much more pronounced and appear quite suddenly. In the case of type 2 diabetes, the relatively unspecific symptoms may be diagnosed late due to the gradual onset of the disease. Ultimately, only the doctor can determine whether diabetes is present or not. He does this by determining the blood sugar level on an empty stomach and after the oral intake of glucose (glucose).
