Those who suspect they have diabetes in Kentucky should seek medical advice. This is because the disorder can have life-threatening consequences if action is not taken. The condition is caused by the malfunctioning of an organ called the pancreas. It can also be the result of certain metabolic disorders.

Shortly after a person consumes food, the latter turned into glucose, which his or her body uses for fuel. Once digested, glucose crosses into the bloodstream and serves as an energy source for cell growth. Insulin, however, must be present in adequate amounts if the glucose is to be processed appropriately. Diabetics do not have enough insulin in their bodies, and as a result their bloodstream fills with glucose. The symptoms associated with the condition vary considerably depending on the kind of diabetes the person is suffering from, and if he or she has any underlying health problems.

One of the most noticeable and common symptoms of the kind of diabetes that affects juveniles, which is type I, is frequent urination. This symptom generally manifests throughout the night, and those afflicted with the disorder typically find themselves getting up anywhere from 2 to 4 times before morning to empty a full bladder. The individual may also experience excessive thirst.

A sudden increase in appetite, especially in children and teenagers, is also one of the symptoms of diabetes. One may find that he or she is excessively hungry only a short time after a full meal has been consumed. Many times, such hunger is accompanied by the urge to binge on carbohydrates and starchy foods. Irritability, fatigue, and the feeling of being in a mental fog are often experienced by diabetics as well.

Weight loss for no obvious reason, also called idiopathic weight loss, is frequently seen in type I diabetics. If one is exercising and reducing his or her calories, weight loss is normal, but it should not occur sporadically for no known cause. It is wise to seek medical advice if one is experiencing unexplained weight loss.

In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, a classic sign of adult onset diabetes, also called type II, is frequent infections, specifically yeast infections. Also, infections that take an unusually long time to heal are sometimes caused by this condition.

Type II diabetics sometimes experience vision changes, most often in the form of blurred vision, as high blood sugar causes the lens of the eye to swell. Many times, people are tempted to ignore such symptoms and assume they are the vision changes associated with the aging process. However, blurred vision should never be ignored.

Diabetics frequently find that the scratches and cuts they acquire heal slowly. This is due to the fact that the disorder affects circulation in all parts of the body. Tingling and numbness in the feet and hands are also experienced by many individuals. This is caused by poor circulation, as well. Anyone who thinks that he or she may have diabetes in Kentucky should make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.