Welcome to our Diabetes specialist

The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin Dependent) and Type 2 Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent). Diabetes can go undiagnosed for years because the symptoms are often accepted by sufferers as part of everyday life. Usually Type 2 Diabetes symptoms are not as easy to identify but if they are, they are almost similar to that of Type 1 Diabetes symptoms.

Common Diabetes Symptoms:

• Frequent Urination (Polyuria): The body seeks to excrete excess glucose through urination which also leads to the loss of water, resulting in dehydration.


• Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): As the blood is filtered by the kidneys, high blood sugar levels overwhelm the kidneys' ability to reabsorb the sugar. Urine is produced to rid the body of the excess sugar. The body counteracts this by sending a signal to the brain to dilute the blood (which translates into thirst) to get the high blood sugar back to normal levels and to rehydrate the body after frequent urination..


• Extreme Hunger (Polyphegia): Insulin is the hormone which stimulates hunger. The body secretes more insulin in order to manage the increase in blood sugar levels. However, as the the body has stopped (Type 1 Diabetes) or is resistant (Type 2 Diabetes) to the action of insulin, higher levels of the hormone leads to increased hunger and eating. Despite an increased calorie intake, diabetics gain little weight and may even loose weight.


• Increased Fatigue: The body is unable to use glucose efficiently as a fuel source therefore the body begins partially or completely metabolising muscle tissue and fat for this purpose. This metabolising process requires the body to use up more energy thus leaving the sufferer feeling fatigued.


• Unusual Weight Loss: In order to produce energy to fuel the body, the body begins to break down muscle tissue and fats which leads to weight loss. Despite experiencing an increased appetite the body cannot efficiently process calories. Excessive excretion of glucose and water through urination and the resulting dehydration further stimulates weight loss.


• Altered Mental State: High blood sugar levels can alter moods resulting in agitation, increased irritability and/or confusion.


• Blurry Vision: High blood sugar levels leads to distorted vision.The fluid from lenses of the eye is absorbed which affects its ability to focus, resulting in blurred vision.


• Slow Healing Cuts or Sores: White blood cells are responsible for defending the body from bacteria and removing dead tissue. High blood sugar levels prevents these cells from functioning normally therefore the healing process takes longer which results in an increased risk of infection.


• Increased Risk of Infection: The increased presence of glucose in body tissue allows bacteria to thrive which suppresses the immune system and leads to the increased risk of frequent infections of the skin, urinary tract and genitals (thrush).


• Itchy Skin: Diabetes can cause vascular problems which results in poor circulation in peripheral parts of the body which can cause localised itching.


• Painful Limbs: Pain in the legs, feet and hands is a common symptom of diabetes, resulting from nerve and blood-vessel damage that reduces the circulation of blood flow or healthy oxygen rich blood flow to the limbs. Some people may have symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness­­loss of feeling­in the hands, arms, feet, and legs.

The Diabetes symptoms listed can occur in any order. It is strongly advisable that if you have experienced, the sudden onset or over a prolonged period, any one or a combination of these symptoms to consult your GP as soon as possible. A simple blood and cholesterol test will provide an indication of whether you are suffering from diabetes.

As Diabetes is an incurable disease, if Diabetes symptoms are left untreated this can result in serious and in some cases fatal complications. These include:

•   Heart Disease (Angina and/or Heart Attacks)
•   Stroke
•   Kidney Damage (Nephropathy)
•   Eye Damage (Retinopathy or Cataracts)
•   Circulation Problems and Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
•   Sexual Difficulties

Occasionally, the onset of diabetes can be so sudden (particularly for Type 1 Diabetes) that it leads to a condition called 'Diabetic Ketoacidosis', which in extreme cases can lead to coma or death. Medical advice should be sought immediately if any of the following symptoms occur in combination:

•   Loss of Appetite
•   Extreme Weight Loss
•   Nausea and Vomiting
•   Excessive Urination
•   Altered Consciousness