Waspada Gejala Diabetes Berat dan Komplikasi Mematikan

Ignoring the early signs of diabetes can lead to severe complications. Many individuals remain unaware of their condition until symptoms become pronounced and debilitating. Recognizing the warning signs and seeking timely medical attention are crucial for managing the disease effectively and preventing serious health consequences.

Diagnostic Criteria for Severe Diabetes

Severe diabetes is characterized by persistently high blood sugar levels. According to established health guidelines, the following blood sugar readings indicate diabetes:

• A random blood sugar level exceeding 200 mg/dL.
• A fasting blood sugar level above 126 mg/dL.
• A blood sugar level greater than 200 mg/dL two hours after consuming a sugary drink (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test/OGTT).

Recognizing the Symptoms of Severe Diabetes

Prolonged high blood sugar levels manifest in several noticeable symptoms:

• Unexpected Weight Loss: Significant unintentional weight loss, particularly in children also experiencing excessive thirst and frequent urination, is a key indicator. In type 1 diabetes, children often lose weight before diagnosis due to the body's inability to utilize blood sugar for energy.
• Numbness or Tingling: Numbness, tingling sensations, or pain in the extremities can result from nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) caused by high blood sugar.
• Severe Abdominal Pain: Intense abdominal pain may be a symptom stemming from complications such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Gastroparesis arises from nerve damage in the stomach caused by hyperglycemia, while DKA is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): DKA occurs when insufficient insulin prevents glucose transport to cells. The body then resorts to burning fat for energy, producing toxic ketones that can damage cells. Symptoms include rapid, deep breathing; dry skin and mouth; flushed face; fruity-breath odor; headache; muscle aches and stiffness; nausea and vomiting; and abdominal pain.
• Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS): HHNS is a serious complication of high blood sugar. Symptoms include intense thirst, confusion, high fever, and muscle weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the body.

What are the key blood sugar levels indicating severe diabetes?

A random blood sugar level above 200 mg/dL, a fasting blood sugar level exceeding 126 mg/dL, or a blood sugar level over 200 mg/dL two hours post-meal (OGTT) all suggest the possibility of diabetes.

What are some common symptoms of severe diabetes in children?

Children with severe diabetes often experience unexpected weight loss, excessive thirst, and frequent urination. These symptoms are frequently observed before a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is made.

How does severe diabetes affect the nerves?

High blood sugar levels can damage nerves (peripheral neuropathy), leading to numbness, tingling, or pain, particularly in the hands and feet.

What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and what are its symptoms?

DKA is a life-threatening complication where the body lacks sufficient insulin to use glucose for energy, resulting in the burning of fat and the production of harmful ketones. Symptoms include rapid breathing, dry mouth, flushed skin, fruity breath, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

What is hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS), and what are its symptoms?

HHNS is a severe complication of high blood sugar affecting both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Symptoms include extreme thirst, confusion, high fever, and muscle weakness or paralysis, often affecting one side of the body.

Understanding the Risks

Severe diabetes substantially increases the risk of developing various life-threatening complications. These include heart disease, stroke, neuropathy (nerve damage), nephropathy (kidney damage), and other serious health issues. Prompt medical attention is crucial upon experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms.