Signs of Diabetes in Teenage Girls
The number of individuals who are affected by diabetes mellitus is on a rise especially in the case of teenage girls. Caused due to high blood sugar levels, this ailment is on the rise since 1990s. The two main varieties of this ailment are – Type 1 and Type 2 – both of which occur in teenage girls. Both these ailments have different symptoms that occur due to the lack of insulin production. They normally range from changes in appetite to life threatening complications.
Why does type 1 diabetes occur?
Teenage girls suffering from type 1 diabetes have a genetic predisposition which makes the occurrence of this ailment more common. In spite of several researches, it is still unknown as to why certain individuals have this genetic predisposition where the immune system damages the insulin thereby leading to this ailment. As per research, there has to be a trigger that signals the beginning of this pancreas damaging process. It can be an environmental factor – the cause of which is still far from being understood. The trigger is different in case of different teenage girls.
Once the process starts, the body stops producing insulin and thus our body gets more susceptible to infections that begin to attack the pancreas.
Signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in Teenage Girls:
In case of type 1 diabetes, there is a rise in blood glucose level. Generally it to 5 to 10 times higher than the normal level. The excess glucose gets mixed with the urine which in turn leads to frequent urination and dehydration. There is an increased desire to drink water at almost all the times. Mood swings and excessive tiredness are quite common.
Due to the ailment, the body starts to break down the fat and but fails to utilize all the nutrients and minerals thereby leading to weight loss over a period of time. The breakdown of fat leads to the production of chemical called ketones that start accumulating in the blood. This leads to severe pain in the abdomen and leads to nausea and vomiting. If this is left undetected, the individual will start suffering from severe dehydration and under serious circumstances the patient might go to the coma stage.
Common Signs and Symptoms include:
• Frequent urination tendency
• Excessive thirst and drinking a lot of fluids
• Excessive Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Mood swings
Other Signs and Symptoms:
• Skin infections and rashes
• Oral or vaginal thrush
• Pain in the abdomen
• Feeling hungry all the time
Who Gets Type 2 diabetes occur?
Type 2 diabetes is most likely to affect teenage girls who are overweight and have a family history of diabetes. Generally teenage girls belonging to the American Indian, African-American, Asian, or Hispanic/Latino race suffer from this ailment.
What Are the Symptoms of Type 2?
Initially there are no significant symptoms. But with the passage of time, you might notice the following:
- weight loss without any reason
- thirsty all the time
- Feeling hungry throughout the day
- The mouth goes dry no matter how much you drink water
- Excessive urination
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Problem in breathing or heavy breathing
- Cuts and sores take excessive time to heal
- Skin irritations and rashes
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
If you observe any of these symptoms, it is advised that you take your teenage girl and visit the doctor immediately.