Archive for September, 2009
Just three years ago, the United Nations designated November 14 as World Diabetes Day. As that day approaches, let’s take a look at mankind’s arduous and dedicated struggle with the disease. In the centuries before Christ, the Egyptian and Greek physicians made rudimentary diabetes diagnoses, noting the passage of too much urine. Later, in the 18th century, an English doctor confirmed suspicions that diabetic urine contained sugar.
The history of diabetes is really the story of individuals overcoming steep challenges and physicians breaking new ground. Just before the turn of the 19th century, doctors recognized that diabetics’ bodies were more adept at handling certain diets. By 1921, the work of Fredrick Banting had led to the discovery of insulin and the best means of treating the condition to date.
When the cells of the body don’t get the glucose they need to function properly, plenty of warning signs become evident in a hurry. Most people who suffer from diabetes recognize that there’s something wrong almost immediately, but it can take much longer to get a proper diagnosis. The following list of diabetes symptoms can help you to recognize the problem and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Insulin is a necessary part of kidney function, and without it a person will experience frequent trips to the bathroom. Urine will also be rich in glucose because the kidneys are unable to filter it back into the blood. A general feeling of weakness or fatigue is another tell-tale sign, as the body cannot get its full complement of energy from glucose. Unquenchable thirst is yet another potential symptom.