Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

Type 1 diabetes is one of the forms of diabetes mellitus. It is caused due to the killing of the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas, by the immune system of the body. The immune system of the human body actually performs the function of fighting with diseases and harmful bacteria, but here the immune system starts working against the body and destroys different types of body cells and thus restricts the production of insulin in the body.

Type 1 diabetes was discovered on account of one of its characteristic symptoms, the presence of glucose in urine, which further causes the person to urinate more frequently and consume more water than usual. Early detection of type 1 diabetes on the basis of the symptoms shown by the person, plays a significant role because it helps in curing the disease in a short time and without much effort. However, a delay in the treatment may lead to further complications, that might adversely affect your day-to-day life.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

Feeling of Thirst and Frequent Urination: The most common sign of type 1 diabetes is continuous feeling of thirst and frequent urination. This happens because excess quantities of sugar in your blood results in the loss of fluids from your tissues.

Feeling Extremely Hungry: Production of insulin stops completely or reduces and therefore your body cells are deprived of the essential sugar required to produce energy. To cope with your energy needs you frequently feel hungry.

Feeling Tired: Lack of energy due to loss of essential sugars results into fatigue and feeling of irritation.

Blurred Vision: An increase in the blood sugar level results in the loss of essential fluids from the body. One of the effects of high blood sugar is blurred vision and therefore one is unable to see things properly.

Loss of Weight: You might think that increase in the appetite should in fact lead to an increase in weight and wonder how weight loss occurs. Well, remember that though you tend to eat more, the food you consume is not converted into energy as your muscles are not able to store it in them. This further leads to their shrinkage and you lose weight rapidly.

As said earlier, it can lead to further complications if not treated at the earlier stage. At a later stage, type 1 diabetes leads to the production of chemicals called ketones in the body. Some later stage type 1 diabetes symptoms include fast breathing or panting, feeling sleepy all the time, abdominal pain and feeling of vomiting. In some cases, nausea and high blood pressure have also been observed as signs of type 1 diabetes.

It is necessary to seek proper advice in this regard if any such symptoms are noticed. Treatments such as the insulin replacement therapy or transplantation of the pancreas are available. But again, I would suggest you to see a specialist before going for any treatment.