Symptoms in diabetes mellitus

Main symptoms are increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue and weight loss.
In type 1 diabetes, the symptoms are due to absolute insulin deficiency and is usually very acute and dramatic. In type 2 diabetes, however, no symptoms for years can be observed.

Characteristic symptoms include:

Thirst

Increased urination

Unexplained weight loss

Fatigue and general decrease in performance

Prone to infection,

Poorly healing wounds

Leg cramps

Visual disturbances

Itching and Acetone breath

Diabetes type 1 can cause weight loss, malaise, tormenting thirst, frequent urination, faster and deeper breathing, changes in acid-base balance, the development of a diabetic coma with loss of consciousness without prompt treatment within weeks.

The onset of type 2 diabetes usually progresses slowly and, initially, may be completely free of symptoms. Other symptoms such as increased thirst, malaise, increased susceptibility to infection, itching, fatigue and dizziness are often misinterpreted. Nevertheless, already consequential damages to the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves have been formed at this time. In particular, the monitoring of the well being of patients is vital after this.

Gestational diabetes generally causes no symptoms and can therefore be easily overlooked. Nevertheless, it must be treated because it can lead to pregnancy complications.

Ophthalmic controls

Fundus photography as, screening method,  is well suited. It is an exclusive photograph of the retina but does not provide reliable assessment of the peripheral retina sections.
An examination of the eyes should be done once a year to determine if there is no retinopathy. This is made by an ophthalmologist.

Exceptions are:
1. Children before 11 Age should be examined only after a diabetes duration of five years.

2. Pregnant women should then be immediately examined upon detection of pregnancy. If it is discovered during pregnancy, the ophthalmologist will decide on the intervals.

3. Diabetes type 2 affected people should be examined immediately upon detection of the disease.

4. Before and after scheduled treatments, all patients must be examined quickly by an ophthalmologist.
This complete eye examination includes the first review of visual acuity. After the enlargement of the pupil with drops the lens and the vitreous and retina are examined (ophthalmoscopy). In certain indications, such as in certain diseases of the retina (retinopathy) and the point of sharpest vision (diabetic maculopathy), the injection of fluorescent solutions in the vessels of the retina (fluorescein angiography) for the investigation may be necessary.

If a diabetic eye disease is diagnosed, you have to review and strengthen the treatment of diabetic kidney disease, hypertension, the increased blood sugar and dyslipidemia.