Though diabetes can produce a number of symptoms, many of the early signs of diabetes can look quite similar to the symptoms of certain other health conditions. This can make it difficult to recognize this condition. But, it is important to identify and treat diabetes early, as untreated diabetes can lead to some serious health complications. Knowledge about the symptoms of diabetes is immensely important for preventing such complications. The symptoms of diabetes in men are explained below.
Excessive Thirst and Urination
Excessive thirst and urination are considered as some of the most common diabetes symptoms. Both men and women with diabetes can experience frequent urination or 'polyuria' and excessive thirst or 'polydipsia'. Frequent urination is caused by a high level of glucose, which adversely affects the filtering capacity of the kidneys. The kidneys start to draw more water from blood, as a result of which the affected person experiences an increase in the frequency of urination. Frequent urination causes the loss of excess fluid from the body or dehydration, which manifests in increased thirst.
Unusual Weight Loss and Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss is another symptom of diabetes in both men and women. Weight loss can result due to the fact that, in diabetes the body cells fail to absorb and utilize glucose from the bloodstream effectively. The cells of the body need glucose to produce energy and so, an inability to absorb glucose can also result in unusual fatigue.
Increase in Appetite
Diabetic patients experience constant hunger or an increase in appetite, if the body produces a high level of insulin in an attempt to bring down the level of blood sugar. Presence of a high level of insulin in the body can increase hunger, for which some diabetic patients can start eating more. An increase in appetite can sometimes result in weight gain. However, some individuals with diabetes can lose weight in spite of eating more than usual.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is one of the most important diabetes symptoms in women and men. Nerves, especially the nerves of the peripheral nervous system can be damaged by consistently high levels of glucose. This is termed as diabetic neuropathy. Damage to the peripheral nervous system can manifest in tingling and numbness in legs, feet, hands and the fingers and toes.
Recurrent Infection and Slow Healing of Wounds
A high level of blood sugar can also slow down the healing of wounds. Along with this, some men with diabetes can get recurrent infections. These two are considered as the warning signs of diabetes or a high level of blood sugar.
Vision Changes
Blurred vision or vision changes can be a common complaint among individuals with high blood sugar level. When the level of blood sugar is consistently high, sugar can accumulate in the lens of the eye and damage the blood vessels of the retina. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy, which if left untreated can lead to blindness.
Erectile Dysfunction
An important symptom of diabetes observed in men is erectile dysfunction. Diabetes and a high level of blood glucose can slowly damage the nerves and the blood vessels of the penis. This eventually can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Other Symptoms
Apart from the above mentioned symptoms, a few additional diabetes symptoms can be observed in some individuals. These symptoms include, dry mouth, headaches, swollen, red and tender gums and development of dark skin patches on the neck, armpit and the groin (acanthosis nigricans).
0 comments:
Post a Comment