Most of the patients in my ICU have diabetes or are admitted due to a complication from diabetes. Some of my co-workers are getting diagnosed with it and some of my friends and their family. Shoot, if I am not careful I may be diagnosed with it soon myself.
One of the more upsetting stories I run across when it comes to diabetes is the man in his late 20s or early 30s who has been ignoring symptoms of diabetes due to ignorance or stubbornness for a while. He finally comes in when either he has started losing his eyesight or problems from his failing kidneys bring him in. Unfortunately at that point, he may be looking at permanent blindness or amputation or dialysis with a life expectancy of less than 10 years.
What is diabetes? Regardless of the type of diabetes you have, the complications that arise are due to your body not having enough insulin (a hormone that comes from your pancreas) to help convert glucose (sugar) to energy. There are 2 types. One type (Type 1) results from a lack of insulin, meaning that for some reason the pancreas just isn't producing enough insulin. The other type, (Type II) is more related to the cells in your own body becoming resistant to the insulin that is being produced. Your pancreas is producing insulin, but for several reasons, your body is ignoring it and thus lots of glucose is left floating in your blood stream and body resorts to other means to generate energy.
What can happen if your diabetes goes untreated? What are long term effects of diabetes? You have increased risk for serious infections and limb loss, peripheral nerve loss, kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, stroke and blindness. But, it is not all gloom and doom for diabetics. It is very possible to live a long productive life with this diagnosis if you get the treatment you need and make the necessary lifestyle changes required.
What are some signs and symptoms that you should go see your doctor? Here you go:
- Thirsty and drinking more often, plus going to the bathroom more frequently
- Weight loss when you aren't really trying to lose the weight
- Weakness and fatigue
- Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
- Blurred vision
- Dry, itchy skin
- Cuts that take a long time to heal
- Easy to bruise
That was my PSA for November. :)
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