What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Insulin is essential for converting sugar (glucose) from food into energy. With type 1 diabetes, your body struggles to produce enough insulin, which is necessary for glucose to enter cells and generate energy. Inadequate insulin production causes glucose to accumulate in the blood without providing any benefit to the body. Additionally, this condition triggers the pancreas to produce antibodies that attack and obliterate the insulin-producing beta cells.
Effectively managing type 1 diabetes demands meticulous attention to various factors, such as lifestyle and diet. Adults, as well as children, are susceptible to developing type 1 diabetes.
Despite extensive research, a cure for type 1 diabetes remains elusive. Current diabetes treatment focuses on regulating blood sugar levels with insulin and making necessary dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Thankfully, with appropriate care and treatment, individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can lead a long and healthy life.
Here’s what you need to know about type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Bedwetting in children
- Heightened hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Agitation or other mood swings
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision
Early Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
Some early indicators of type 1 diabetes are:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
- Slow-healing wounds
Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms in Adults
Adults with type 1 diabetes may experience a sudden onset of symptoms.
Here are some common symptoms of type 1 diabetes in adults:
Frequent urination – If you find yourself visiting the bathroom more often, it could be a sign that your kidneys are trying to expel excess sugar from your body, leading to increased urination.
Excessive thirst – Frequent urination can result in dehydration, making you feel thirstier than usual.
Increased hunger – Constant hunger could mean your body isn’t properly converting food into energy.
Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms in Children
Frequent urination and increased thirst are early warning signs of diabetes in children.
Other indicators to watch for include:
Fatigue – Persistent tiredness in your child could suggest difficulty converting sugar into energy.
Vision problems – Elevated blood sugar levels can result in blurred vision and other visual issues.
Fruity-smelling breath – If your child’s breath has a fruity odor, it might be a sign of high blood sugar.
Unusual behavior – If your child seems unusually irritable or restless alongside other symptoms, it could indicate an underlying issue.