Blurred vision
Blurry vision is one of the early manifesting signs of diabetes. You may suspect this symptom if you experience difficulty focusing on objects or images and can’t see them clearly enough. Blurry vision can affect one eye or both eyes at the same time.
There are three cases in which diabetes may induce blurred vision. Firstly, it’s when glucose levels are too high. The part of the eye responsible for sharp vision is called the lens. Exposure of the lenses to high levels of blood sugar can affect eyesight by causing the lenses to swell and change shape, as a result of which temporary blurring often develops. In this case, normal vision will return as soon as the level of blood sugar falls within the normal range.
The second reason is the opposite – low glucose levels. The brain plays a significant role in the formation of the final image of what you are looking at. Its tissue is too dependent on glucose, so in the case of low glucose levels in the bloodstream, different visual disturbances may occur, in particular blurry vision. As well as in the first case, normal vision will return right after blood sugar levels become normal.
The final reason is fluctuating blood levels, especially if the difference throughout the day reaches significant numbers. It results from poor diabetes control and requires quick treatment adjustments with the aim of preventing even more serious eyesight impairments.
Weight loss
Despite normal or increased appetite, weight loss is a common symptom of diabetes. Initially it is due to the loss of water and substances dissolved in it; thereafter, reduced muscle mass and loss of fat occur. This happens because insufficient insulin production in type 1 diabetes prevents glucose from entering the cells of the body and being used as energy. Consequently, the body starts breaking down muscle and fat for energy, causing a reduction in body weight. Weight loss is only a cause for concern if you have lost more than 5% of your body weight in 6 months or less without following a diet or an intense exercise routine.
