Introduction to Diabetes

Diabetes: An Introduction

The word diabetes was first given by the Greek physician Arateus in the 2nd century describe patients with great thirst and excessive variation. In the 17the century, it was observed that urine of diabetic patients was sweet, so the word mellitus, meaning “honey” was added to it. The sweet urine of diabetics is due to increased blood sugar level which leads to spillage of glucose into the urine. The sweet urine of diabetic individuals attracts various flies, bees, ants, etc. Hence, Diabetes mellitus is a clinical disorder in which blood sugar levels are abnormally high known as Hyperglycemia. It occurs due to absence or insufficient production of Insulin. It is a chronic condition, as it lasts lifetime, but can be well controlled. Diabetes mellitus is known as “Sugar” “Diabetes” “Killer disease” “Mother of all diseases” etc….. It is also known as Rich people disease, because people who are over nourished usually get afflicted by it.

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Symptoms of Diabetes

1. The first and foremost symptom is excessive urination. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, the color and the density of the urine may change. In general conditions, the urine is dilute and is pale in color.

2. Urination may be profuse even though the person does not consume many fluids throughout the day.

3. The excessive urination is coupled with excessive thirst. The person feels the urge to consume several pints of fluids per day above the normal values.

4. Diabetic patients also find a significant increase in their appetite. Patients may crave to eat a lot, especially things that are harmful to the condition of diabetes, i.e. hyperglycemic substances.

5. There is general bodily weakness. Patients get tired easily. In severe cases, fatigue and dizziness may also occur, which may cause the patient to collapse.

6. Though the appetite shows a marked improvement, there is no perceptible weight gain. Skin problems may occur such as itching. The itching is felt more around the genitals. Other problems are tingling sensation in the skin and an itchy feeling in the hands and the feet.

7. One very serious concern is the low healing of wounds, which is a prime symptom accompanied with diabetes mellitus. This may cause the wounds to become infected and to cause complications.

8. Pains occur in several parts of the body, especially in the lower back and the limbs. These pains do not go away using painkillers.

9. A peripheral problem of diabetes mellitus is the loss of vision. The person may become myopic, or show a diminished sense of vision. There may be a need of continual change of spectacles.

10. Impotence in men is a very popular condition that is caused due to diabetes mellitus.