Early Symptoms Of Diabetes In Women in South Africa – Diabetes is a long-term disease characterized by high blood glucose, which in simpler terms is known as sugar.
The disease is said to happen when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
It also happens when the body is unable to effectively use the insulin that is produced. It is important to note that diabetes is divided into two types and these are type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, affects children and young adults the most.
This is an autoimmune disease, and during this stage, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
People with type 1 diabetes are required must take insulin injections and this should be done on a daily basis in order to keep their blood sugar levels under control.
Records revealed that Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all cases of diabetes, and this typically develops in adults. To some extent, it can also occur in children.
Obesity, a lack of exercise, and a poor diet are some examples of lifestyle factors that contribute to type 2 diabetes.
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to make up for the body’s resistance to the effects of insulin.
Medication and lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, may be necessary for anyone with type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels.
A fasting blood glucose test, an oral glucose tolerance test, and a hemoglobin A1C test are a few of the methods used to diagnose diabetes. These tests, which gauge blood glucose levels, can assist medical professionals in identifying the presence and type of diabetes in a patient.
Early Symptoms Of Diabetes In Women in South Africa
Women with diabetes may experience early symptoms that can indicate the need for further testing and evaluation. Early detection and treatment are important for managing diabetes and preventing complications. In this article, we will discuss the early symptoms of diabetes in women.
- Increased thirst and urination One of the earliest symptoms of diabetes is increased thirst and frequent urination. Women with diabetes may feel thirsty more often than usual and may also need to urinate more frequently, especially at night.
- Fatigue and weakness Feeling tired and weak is another early symptom of diabetes. Women with diabetes may feel exhausted even after getting enough rest, and may experience weakness or shakiness throughout the day.
- Blurred vision High blood sugar levels can cause temporary changes in vision, such as blurred vision or difficulty focusing. Women with diabetes may also experience eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma over time.
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet Diabetes can damage nerves over time, causing numbness or tingling sensations in the hands and feet. This is known as neuropathy and can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes.
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds Women with diabetes may notice that cuts, wounds, or infections take longer to heal than usual. This is due to the high levels of glucose in the blood, which can interfere with the healing process.
- Recurring infections Diabetes can weaken the immune system, making women more susceptible to infections such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and skin infections.
- Unexplained weight loss In some cases, women with diabetes may experience unexplained weight loss even though they are eating normally. This is because the body is unable to use glucose for energy and begins to break down fat and muscle tissue instead.
- Irritability and mood swings Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can affect mood and energy levels. Women with diabetes may experience irritability, mood swings, or difficulty concentrating as a result.
Source: www.everythingsouthafrican.com