Diabetes Type 1 is a lifelong disease where the body stops producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the cells to absorb sugar (glucose) from blood and to be later used for energy. In the absence of insulin, sugar (glucose) stays in the blood stream, damaging the blood vessels and creating additional problems. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in young children but can also occur in adults.
Symptoms:
Type 1 diabetes signs and symptoms can happen quickly and may include:
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination, more noticeable during the night
• Bedwetting in children who previously didn't wet the bed during the night
• Extreme hunger
• Unintended weight loss
• Irritability and other mood changes
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• In females, a vaginal yeast infection
When your blood sugar is too low, it can also cause problems and it can happen suddenly. Quickly treating low blood sugar can help you avoid fainting (losing consciousness). Low blood sugar can also lead to a heart attack.
Common symptoms of low blood sugar may include:
• Sweating
• Shakiness
• Weakness
• Hunger
• Confusion
Diagnoses:
To diagnose Type 1 diabetes, your doctor may ask for some blood tests including:
• Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test: This blood test indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months.
• Random blood sugar test: A blood sample that is taken without fasting.
• Fasting blood sugar test: A blood sample that is taken after an overnight fast.
• If you receive a diagnosis of diabetes, your doctor may also run blood tests to check for autoantibodies that are common in Type 1 diabetes. These tests help your doctor distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
• The presence of ketones, which are the by-products from the breakdown of fat, when found in your urine also suggests Type 1 diabetes, rather than Type 2.
Treatments:
Once you have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, you should visit your doctor regularly to help you with your diabetes management.
Treatment for Type 1 diabetes includes:
• Taking insulin as prescribed by your doctor
• Carbohydrate counting
• Frequent blood sugar monitoring
• Eating healthy foods
• Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight
• The goal is to keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible to delay or prevent complication
