High Blood Sugar FAQ – Causes and Complications of Diabetes
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a malfunction of the body’s metabolism. The Islets of Langerhands in the pancreas produce little or no insulin at all. Glucose is not processed and it builds up as blood sugar. This buildup causes several complications, which can be fatal when untreated. It has two types:
• Type 1 is where the pancreas fails to manufacture insulin.
• Type 2 is where the body tissues develop an abnormal resistance to insulin utilization.
Both types are chronic; thus, they cannot be completely cured. However, they can be treated through various methods such as insulin injection, therapies, diets and food supplementation.
What are the medical implications of low insulin levels?
• Blood becomes more saturated with glucose, making it more viscous. Thus, its function of supplying oxygen and energy to the body is retarded.
• The body gets less energy, since glucose is stuck in the bloodstream. Glucose is wasted as it is expelled through the urine.
What causes this condition?
• Adults older than 50 years old are more vulnerable to developing the disease.
• Pregnant females may develop high blood sugar in the case called “gestational diabetes.”
• The disease can be genetic, and can be passed across generations in families.
• Overeating fatty and sweet food items may cause obesity, which will increase the risks of diabetes.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
• Dizziness due to concentration of blood sugar
• Frequent urination due to urine viscosity
• Unquenchable thirst due to dehydration
• Fatigue and weakness due to unavailability of energy source
• Neuropathy or numbness in the hands, legs and feet
• Dry skin
• Blurred vision and weakening of senses
• Bruises and wounds that do not heal quickly
When the mentioned symptoms persist, there are chances that the condition is already diabetes, or blood sugar is abnormally high. It is advised to immediately seek a doctor for diagnosis. Diabetes can accurately be identified through blood tests.
