Diabetes and Complications Symptoms

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, often caused by insufficient insulin secretion or impaired utilization. Its complications affect multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular system, nerves, kidneys, and retina. The disease affects children, adults, and the elderly, especially those with irregular lifestyles and diets high in sugar and fat.

Currently, diabetes continues to have a high incidence globally, with countries like the United States, China, and India leading in patient numbers. In Southeast Asia, countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia have seen a rapid rise in diabetes prevalence due to urbanization, leading to a growing disease burden and severely affecting residents' health levels.

Detailed Symptoms of Diabetes and Complications

1. Symptoms of Polydipsia, Polyuria, Polyphagia, and Weight Loss
Typical symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, and weight loss. These are manifestations of metabolic disturbances caused by sustained high blood glucose and are often one of the earliest signs of diabetes, requiring increased vigilance.

2. Skin Infections and Itching
Due to decreased immunity and high sugar levels, diabetic patients have poor skin resistance and are prone to fungal infections, dry skin, itching, and folliculitis, especially common in women and the elderly.

3. Fluctuating Vision and Blurred Vision
Hyperglycemia causes small retinal blood vessel changes, initially manifesting as blurred vision and fluctuating visual clarity. If left untreated, this may progress to diabetic retinopathy or even blindness.

4. Numbness and Tingling in Extremities
Diabetic neuropathy most commonly presents as numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the hands and feet, especially at night. Some patients may experience a "crawling sensation" or decreased sensitivity to temperature.

5. Slow Wound Healing
Due to poor circulation and immune function decline, even small cuts may take a long time to heal in diabetic patients, with a higher risk of infection. In severe cases, this may develop into diabetic foot.

6. Sexual Dysfunction
Diabetes affects the secretion of sex hormones and nerve conduction, leading to erectile dysfunction in men and decreased libido or painful intercourse in women, impacting quality of life.

7. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Female diabetic patients are more prone to bladder infections, urethritis, and other recurrent urinary tract infections, as high sugar levels in urine provide a favorable environment for bacterial growth.

8. Fatigue and Mental Exhaustion
Diabetic patients often experience decreased physical strength and lack of concentration. Even with sufficient rest, they may still feel fatigued, caused by metabolic disturbances and tissue dehydration.

9. Morning Dizziness or Hypoglycemia Symptoms
Some patients, especially those taking medication or insulin, may experience hypoglycemia, with symptoms such as cold sweats, palpitations, dizziness, and hunger. In severe cases, they may faint.

Conclusion

The symptoms of diabetes and its complications not only manifest as abnormal blood sugar but also affect multiple organ systems. Experts from Life International Medical Center remind patients that once typical symptoms appear, they must seek medical attention promptly, manage blood sugar scientifically, and prevent complications early. Improving quality of life is the core goal of diabetes treatment.