About Type 1 Diabetes and the Warning Signs
TYPE 1 DIABETES (T1D) IS AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE THAT OCCURS WHEN A PERSON’S PANCREAS STOPS PRODUCING INSULIN, THE HORMONE THAT CONTROLS BLOOD-SUGAR LEVELS.
There is nothing anyone can do to prevent T1D. Presently, there is no known cure.
Type 1 diabetes affects children and adults, though people can be diagnosed at any age. With a typically quick onset, T1D must be managed with the use of insulin.
Type 1 diabetes is a 24/7 disease that requires constant management. People with T1D continuously and carefully balance insulin intake with eating, exercise and other activities. They also measure blood-sugar levels through finger pricks before each meal and at bedtime.
Only 5% of people with diabetes have Type 1 Diabetes.
Some 1.25 million Americans are living with T1D, including about 200,000 youth (less than 20 years old) and more than 1 million adults (20 years old and older).
40,000 people are diagnosed with T1D each year in the U.S.
While limiting sugar intake can be a part of a healthy diet, people with T1D can work sugars and sweets into their diets just like a person without T1D. Sometimes sugar is necessary. If a person’s blood-sugar level drops too much, sugar, often in the form of juice or glucose tables, is required to raise it and correct hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
TYPE 1 DIABETES WARNING SIGNS
Amelia had all of the symptoms listed below. If you suspect you or your child has diabetes, see your doctor immediately. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a life threatening condition that can lead to coma and death. Luckily we caught Amelia's T1D early and avoided this scary situation.
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Bed-wetting 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