What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Nov 12, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, diabetes may present with symptoms such as frequent urination, increased thirst, generalized weakness, skin itching, and slow wound healing. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and avoid consuming excessive amounts of high-sugar and high-fat foods.
Under normal circumstances, diabetes may present symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, general weakness, skin itching, and slow wound healing. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Frequent Urination
When blood glucose levels exceed the renal glucose threshold, the concentration of glucose in the renal tubules increases, raising the osmotic pressure within the tubules. This may impair water reabsorption, resulting in excessive water excretion through urine, manifesting as significantly increased urine output.
2. Excessive Thirst
Elevated blood glucose leads to glucose concentrations exceeding the reabsorption capacity of the renal tubules, increasing glucose content in urine and causing osmotic diuresis. Fluid loss may stimulate osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus, prompting increased water intake.
3. General Weakness
Insufficient insulin or insulin resistance prevents glucose from entering cells effectively for metabolism, depriving cells of adequate energy. The body may then break down fats and proteins for energy, leading to accumulation of metabolic byproducts such as ketones, thereby exacerbating feelings of fatigue.
4. Skin Itching
Hyperglycemia may damage nerve endings in the skin, causing abnormal sensory function and intense itching. Additionally, microvascular complications caused by diabetes can impair skin circulation, reducing nutrient supply and leading to dry, flaky skin, which further triggers itching.
5. Slow Wound Healing
Diabetic patients often have a hypercoagulable state and impaired blood circulation, which may compromise blood supply to injured areas. As a result, nutrients and oxygen cannot be delivered efficiently to the wound site, delaying the healing process.
Patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, follow a balanced diet, avoid excessive consumption of high-sugar and high-fat foods, quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, engage in moderate physical activity, and regularly monitor blood glucose levels, all of which help maintain stable blood sugar control.
