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Living with diabetes

Brief overview

The word diabetes comes from a Greek expression meaning syphon. It refers to the large amounts of urine and the excessive thirst which often occurs in newly diagnosed or seriously uncontrolled diabetes.

These symptoms are due to a build-up of glucose (sugar) in the blood which then overflows into the urine. However, there may be no symptoms at all for many years.

As the glucose level rises higher, the lens of the eye may alter its shape, producing blurring of vision. When sugar overflows into the urine (where it can be easily tested), it draws water with it and produces more urine. This runs down the body's fluid reserves and creates thirst. The loss of essential chemicals into the urine can cause cramps, tiredness and weakness, together with weight loss.

If the fluid loss is severe, dehydration, and even coma can occur. High glucose levels in the blood prevent the body's defence against infection, particularly of the skin, urine and lungs. It may be a severe or chronic infection which first alerts the doctor that you have diabetes.

In some countries, tuberculosis is the first sign of diabetes. Sometimes, your type of diabetes may be picked up by a screening program on a blood or urine test. 

 We are indebited to Diabetes UK for their help in compiling this section.

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