Diabetes Symptoms in Men
For men there are 2 types of diabetes that can affect you. They are:
- Type-2 diabetes – also known as “insulin resistant diabetes”
- Diabetes insipidus – sometimes referred to as “water” diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
This diabetes is caused by damaged receptors on the surface of cells which do not recognize insulin. It is often referred to as “insulin resistant diabetes” as well as “adult-onset diabetes”. This is the most common diabetes.
Men who have Type 2 diabetes are still producing insulin but for some reason the receptors located on the surface of cells are damaged and unable to recognize insulin. Because of the inability to use insulin, sugar or glucose can not be use by the cells for energy. The sugar also builds up in the blood system which causes many of the complications of this type of diabetes. The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes do vary from man to man but can consist of:
- Frequent urination
- Extreme thirst
- Dry mouth
- Extreme hunger (especially after eating)
- Fatigue (tired feeling, weak)
- Nausea and occasionally vomiting
- Tingling or numbness of the feet or hands
- Blurred vision
- Frequent infections of the skin or urinary tract
Although rare, a man with Type 2 diabetes may in up in the hospital with a diabetic coma before being diagnosed.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a medical professional who can run a series of blood test to make a diagnosis.
Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus is caused when the kidneys have no ability to save water, which in turn leads to extreme thirst and frequent urinations with large volumes of water. The retaining of water in the kidneys is usually able to be controlled using an antidiuretic hormone (ADH) which is called vasopressin. This hormone is produced in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus and managed with the pituitary gland which is a small gland located at the very base of the brain.
Diabetes insipidus can be caused by damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland because of surgery, head injury, cancer, or infection. This is called central diabetes insipidus because the area that controls the retaining of fluid is where the problem lies. Central insipidus is the most common types of diabetes insipidus.
When diabetes insipidus is caused by the kidneys inability to respond to antidiuretic hormone or ADH, it is known as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and is caused by a problem based usually with the kidneys. Nephrogenic insipidus is an extremely rare form of diabetes.
In men, diabetes insipidus can be congenital and present at birth because of an inherited defect. This defect can be triggered by blockage in the urinary tract, use of certain medications (most commonly lithium), high levels of calcium, or low levels of potassium.
Symptoms of diabetes insipidus include:
- Uncontrollable, intense thirst
- Craving for ice water
- Frequent urination with large amounts, usually more than 3 to 15 liters per day.
If you do not drink enough, dehydration will result. Symptoms of dehydration can include:
- Dry mucous membranes
- Sunken appearance to eyes
- Dry skin
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Low body temperature
- Rapid heart rate
- Muscle pains
- Weight loss
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and are constantly dehydrated, it is important to visit with a medical professional as chronic dehydration can lead to coma or even death.
