Signs and Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Recognize Them Early

Diabetes, commonly known as the "sugar disease," is one of the chronic diseases increasingly experienced by people today. It is important for us to recognize the symptoms of diabetes early so we can take the right steps for treatment and prevention of complications. In general, diabetes is divided into two main types, namely type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Although their causes and mechanisms differ, both types share several similar symptoms. Here are some signs of diabetes that you should watch out for:

1. Feeling Very Thirsty or Very Hungry

One of the main signs of diabetes is excessive thirst (polydipsia) even though you have already drunk plenty of fluids. This happens because high blood sugar levels cause the body to lose fluids through urine, which triggers thirst. In addition, you may also feel constantly hungry (polyphagia) even after eating enough. This occurs because the body cannot efficiently use blood sugar as energy.

2. Frequent Urination, Especially at Night

If you often wake up at night just to urinate (polyuria), this could be one of the signs of diabetes. High blood sugar levels make the kidneys work harder to filter out excess sugar, which is then excreted through urine. This condition causes an increase in the frequency of urination.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss

If your weight drops drastically without any change in diet or exercise, this could be a sign of diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin, so it cannot use sugar as an energy source. Instead, the body begins to burn fat and muscle for energy, which results in weight loss.

4. Loss of Muscle Mass

Along with weight loss, people with type 1 diabetes often experience a loss of muscle mass. When the body does not get energy from blood sugar, it draws it from muscle tissue as an alternative source. This causes the body's muscles to become weak and shrink.

5. Blurred Vision

Blurred or hazy vision is one of the diabetes symptoms quite often reported by patients. High blood sugar levels can cause changes in the lens of the eye, affecting the eye's ability to focus clearly. If left untreated, this condition can develop into more serious eye problems, such as diabetic retinopathy.

6. Ketones in the Urine

When the body cannot use sugar as an energy source, as happens in type 1 diabetes, the body starts burning fat instead. This process produces substances called ketones. If ketones build up in the blood, they will appear in the urine and can be harmful to health, causing a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

7. The Body Easily Feels Tired and Weak

Diabetes patients often complain of a body that tires and weakens easily. This is caused by the body's inability to use sugar as an energy source, so patients often feel weak and out of energy, even after eating enough.

8. Wounds Become Harder to Heal

In diabetes, the body's ability to repair damaged tissue is reduced. This is caused by poor blood flow due to damage to the blood vessels, so even small wounds can take longer to heal. Wounds that are slow to heal are also more prone to infection.

9. Prone to Infections

Diabetes patients are more susceptible to infections, especially in parts of the body such as the gums, skin, vagina, or urinary tract. High blood sugar creates an environment that supports the growth of bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of infection. If you frequently experience recurring infections, this could be a sign of a problem with your blood sugar levels.