Type 1 Diabetes can be fatal if left untreated

Type 1 diabetes (sometimes called “juvenile diabetes” or “”insulin-dependent diabetes”) is a form of diabetes mellitus, and is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.  In this form, the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas are destroyed by the body’s immune system (an autoimmune response) so that these cells are not producing enough insulin to lower blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes

• An increased thirst.  The excess sugar in your blood draws fluid from your cells, resulting in higher volume of blood and increased dehydration of cells.  The dehydration leaves you thirsty.  This excess volume of blood is filtered in the kidneys, and excessive urine is produced.  This urine contains glucose as the kidneys are unable to cope.
• Extreme hunger as your muscles and organs become depleted of energy.  This lack of energy also leaves you tired and listless.
• Blurred vision.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Increased yeast infections.
• Weight loss since excess energy is being lost in the urine.

NOTE: I saw a program on the television about a diabetic who noticed the weight loss when she stopped taking her insulin injections.  She liked losing the weight.  Eventually the girl went blind as a side-effect of the high blood sugar levels.  This is a serious condition, and she was lucky not to have died!

Treatment of type 1 diabetes

This form of diabetes needs daily injections of insulin to replace the insulin that the body is missing, as well as careful dietary consideration (especially monitoring carbohydrate intake).  Without treatment, this form of diabetes is can lead to diabetic coma (diabetic ketoacidosis) and death.