Type 1 diabetes, also known as Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), occurs because of a shortage of insulin inside the body. Insulin is responsible for allowing glucose to enter the cells of the body to supply fuel. This shortage of insulin happens because the body's immune system damages and destroys the pancreas which produces the insulin.
Insulin is typically the best treatment for type 1 diabetes, and there are various different insulin types out there. People with type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections and regularly monitor their blood sugar levels. Insulin cannot be taken by mouth since the digestive juices and enzymes destroy it before it actually gets into the bloodstream. Insulin deficiency also causes other metabolic problems, including the unregulated breakdown of fat stores.When beta cells stop producing insulin, your body's cells will take in less glucose, while your liver releases more glucose, resulting in a rise in blood sugar levels, sometimes reaching levels as high as 10 times above normal levels.
Type 1 diabetes symptoms generally develop over a short period of time. Type 1 diabetes symptoms manifest themselves in the form of excessive fatigue, frequent urination, mood swings, excessive thirst, and feeling hungrier than one normally would.
In children, type 1 diabetes symptoms may resemble flu symptoms. However, each child may experience diabetes symptoms differently.
Although beta cell destruction can begin years earlier, type 1 diabetes symptoms usually develop rather quickly, over a few days to weeks, and are caused by blood sugar levels rising above normal levels (hyperglycemia).
There are other symptoms of type 1 diabetes, namely weight loss and unable to have a clear eye vision (blurry eyesight). This happens because of a lack of supply of insulin inside the body. This is very dangerous as patients may fall into a coma if not treated at once.
If you or your family member have these type 1 diabetes symptoms, you must make sure to drink fifteen grams of carbohydrate (three teaspoons of sugar dissolved in water).
Do not take these symptoms lightly. Remember if you ignore them, your type 1 diabetes condition will get worse and eventually lead to other more fatal health problems. These type 1 diabetes symptoms are typically life-threatening, so it is best to seek treatment immediately.
