Some elderly people who appear to be very healthy are actually found to have diabetes during medical examinations. Upon reflection, they do not exhibit the "three more" symptoms—excessive thirst, excessive eating, and frequent urination—and they are not underweight. So what is going on? Experts indicate that the "three more and one less" symptoms (polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, and weight loss) are typical of Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent), which predominantly affects young adults. However, most elderly diabetics suffer from Type 2 diabetes, characterized by obesity, normal eating habits, and energy levels similar to those of non-diabetics. According to statistics, over 80% of elderly diabetic patients who exceed standard body weight show no symptoms, as per St. Paul's Hospital in Chongqing.
After a considerable delay, some individuals discover their diabetes only after being diagnosed with heart disease, hyperlipidemia, kidney dysfunction, cataracts, abnormal sensations in the lower limbs, recurrent urinary tract infections, unresolved or recurring pulmonary tuberculosis, boils, or external genital itching. Frankly speaking, these conditions are often related to diabetes. By the time patients experience typical symptoms such as excessive urination, increased appetite, and weight loss, their condition has already become quite severe.
Sugar is the primary source of energy for the human body and can be converted into proteins, fats, and ribonucleic acids among other substances. Once sugar metabolism becomes disordered, it triggers a series of changes, such as elevated lipid levels, arteriosclerosis, and nerve degeneration. In the early clinical stages of diabetes, there may be no symptoms or glycosuria; however, postprandial glucose tolerance tests may yield abnormal results. Symptoms only manifest when persistent high blood sugar is accompanied by regular glycosuria. At this point, the patient has likely developed widespread complications affecting the cardiovascular system, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
Early detection of asymptomatic diabetes in the elderly is particularly important. Even healthy individuals should regularly check their blood sugar levels. If asymptomatic diabetes is detected early, timely dietary adjustments, combined with exercise and medication, can help control the progression of the disease.
An elderly man from Nan'an District visited the hospital for acupuncture treatment due to insomnia and neurasthenia. A meticulous physician noticed that the old man’s left eyelid was drooping and suspected an underlying condition. Subsequent laboratory tests helped diagnose him with diabetes in a timely manner.
It was learned that Mr. Tian, 62 years old, lives in a town in Nan'an District of the city. Recently, he suffered from insomnia at night, often had nightmares when he finally fell asleep, and felt dizzy and weak during the day. He also experienced pain around his left eye socket.
When Mr. Tian sought treatment at the Diabetes Department of St. Paul's Hospital in Chongqing, the physician noticed ptosis in his left eyelid. Detailed questioning revealed that Mr. Tian’s left eyelid had suddenly drooped, causing pain around the left eye socket, restricted movement of the eyeball, and double vision.
The physician recommended routine blood and urine tests. The test results confirmed that Mr. Tian was a patient with latent diabetes and required immediate glucose-lowering treatment.
For more scientific articles about diabetes:
http://www.facekoo.com/penqiang168/blog/GJT1Rr1iXLc_3b.html
http://blog.cnfol.com/qianhola1/article/78834375.html
http://18452215.blog.hexun.com/73409703_d.html
http://hi.baidu.com/qianhola1/blog/item/cf43ce2b7c34bdec3a87ce93.html
http://blog.sohu.com/people/qianhola1/206175461.html