(1)
Frequent urination (polyuria).
(2)
Excessive thirst (polydipsia).
(3)
Extreme hunger (polyphagia).
(4)
Sudden weight loss.
(5)
Irritability.
(6)
Weakness and fatigue.
(7)
Nausea and vomiting.
b. Signs/Symptoms of Noninsulin-Dependent Diabetes. Signs and
symptoms of insulin-dependent diabetes may be present with these additional
conditions:
(1)
Hard-to-heal skin infections.
(2)
Gum or bladder infections which do not heal quickly.
(3)
Drowsiness.
(4)
Blurred vision.
(5)
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet.
(6)
Itching.
3-5.
ETIOLOGY OF DIABETES MELLITUS
The cause of diabetes mellitus is unknown. Research indicates that the
tendency to develop diabetes may be present at birth. Some viral infections seem to
trigger the onset of diabetes. Despite the fact that some viruses are believed to help
cause diabetes, diabetes is not a disease that one person can catch from another
person. Being overweight is a contributing cause to diabetes in those persons who
have a tendency toward non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The reason is that too much
fat prevents insulin from being used properly by the body.
3-6.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS FOR DIABETES MELLITUS
Diabetes mellitus is a very complex disease; nevertheless, the disease is very
easy to detect. Urine normally contains no glucose or acetone, but both are present in
the urine of a diabetic patient. Ketone bodies are also present in the urine of a diabetic
if fats are metabolized faster than the body can use them. Blood glucose and glucose
MD0583
3-4