Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic Symptoms

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are considered two different forms of the same disease but they share many of the same symptoms. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreatic islet cells are destroyed and because of this there is a complete lack of circulating insulin. Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance with a defect in compensatory insulin secretion.

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes are a direct result of the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin which is used to transport glucose (sugar) into the body's cells. Because the glucose has no where to go it accumulates in the blood and results in hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. Hyperglycemia causes serum hyperosmolality which draws water from the intercellular spaces and into the blood stream. This increased blood volume increase the blood flow to the kidneys as the high blood sugar works as an osmotic diuretic. This creates a condition known as polyuria which is an increase in urine output.

When the blood glucose levels rise high enough – usually around 180 mg/dL – the excess glucose will begin to be excreted in the urine, a condition known as glucosuria. The decrease in intercellular water and increase in urine output can lead to dehydration. As the body becomes dehydrated thirst increases and people suffering from hyperglycemia drink large amounts of water.

The cells of the body need glucose to produce the energy they need. Without insulin to shepherd the glucose into the cells, cellular energy production decreases. This decrease in energy stimulates the hunger center of the brain and causes the diabetic to eat more. This is known as polyphagia. Even with the increased food intake a diabetic at this state will lose weight because the body is losing water and breaking down fats and proteins as it attempts to restore energy sources.

Any decrease in energy will be accompanied by malaise and fatigue. There can also be a blurring of the vision because of the increase in osmotic pressure that can cause the lenses of the eye to swell.

These symptoms, polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia, along with weight loss, malaise, and fatigue, are the classic symptoms of type 1 diabetes. These symptoms can range from slight to severe depending on the degree to which their insulin production has been compromised.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are much the same but will manifest themselves more slowly over a longer period of time. Many people with type 2 often are not even aware that they have diabetes until they visit their doctor for some other health related issue.

The hyperglycemia in type 2 is not normally as severe as that suffered by type 1 diabetics. Type 2 diabetics will experience the polyuria and polydipsia caused by the hyperglycemia. Other symptoms include blurred vision, fatigue, paresthesias (tingling or numbness of the skin), and skin infections.

It is important for anyone experiencing any of these symptoms to schedule a visit with their physician. Catching either form of diabetes early is the best way to decrease the risks and complications that this disease causes over time.