DIABETES – SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES
Diabetes may show itself for the first time during pregnancy. Strict control is necessary to reduce the risk to the baby. Babies of diabetic mothers tend to be premature, to weigh more and to be at increased risk of developing abnormalities. Control of the diabetes during the pregnancy reduces these risks.
The symptoms of diabetes may be increased thirst, the passing of large quantities of urine and weight loss. Other symptoms are tiredness, muscular weakness, urine infections and thrush. In the juvenile onset type, the person may be thin.
The illness may rapidly progress to ketosis, where the body starts to burn up its fat reserves and acetone is noted on the breath and the urine contains ketones, breakdown products of fat. This can lead to coma and death.
Infection may be the precipitating factor in bringing on the diabetes or in leading to coma in known diabetics.
Those with juvenile onset diabetes almost always require insulin. This must be given by injection as it is destroyed in the stomach and therefore cannot be taken orally. It is prepared from either beef or pig pancreas.
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