Juvenile diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce insulin, a hormone necessary for converting glucose into energy. Without insulin, high levels of glucose are present in the blood. This excess glucose is harmful to the body and the cells are also damaged by the lack of available energy. Both children and adults may have juvenile diabetes; it is also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, as well as type 1 diabetes. Patients with this type of diabetes require insulin.
Excessive Thirst
One of the most significant symptoms of diabetes type 1 is frequent, excessive thirst. The individual may crave water or another beverage if she doesn't care for water. She may drink 12 or more glasses each day.
Increased Appetite
A sudden increase in appetite is another sign of juvenile diabetes. The individual may find himself hungry an hour after eating a meal. He may also consume twice his normal caloric intake in a day's time.
Tingling Feet
MedlinePlus explains that another symptom of type 1 diabetes is tingling feet. It is also possible for one or both feet to be completely numb. Additionally, a sore may also develop on the foot without the patient realizing it. A person with type 1 diabetes is also prone to falling.
Eye Problems
Blurry vision may develop over a short period of time. Type 1 diabetes can also cause minor eye disorders like short sightedness or reading problems. Further, people with type 1 diabetes are prone to glaucoma, which causes pressure to build up in the eye, restricting blood flow. This can cause additional vision problems.
Unplanned Weight Loss
Untreated juvenile diabetes can lead to unintentional weight loss. This normally happens fairly quickly, such as losing 10 pounds over the course of two months. The weight loss occurs despite the person eating the same amount of food or more than usual.
Frequent Urination
Frequent urination sends many unsuspecting people to the doctor, where they receive the initial diagnosis of juvenile diabetes. It can become so severe that the individual urinates every one to two hours.
Skin Changes
Skin changes often alert to a systemic problem. For type 1 diabetes, the sufferer may develop itchy skin that appears dry. Wounds may heal slowly if at all.
Fruity Breath
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International explains that fruit-smelling breath is often indicative of this type of diabetes. Others describe the smell as sweet, or as though the person had been drinking a sweet wine.
Excessive Tiredness
Excessive tiredness may cause the individual to seek frequent rest periods, creating problems at work. This lethargy may develop quickly or over several months, causing the person to avoid non-mandatory physical activity. If left untreated, she may eventually go into a stupor. It may appear to others as though she is heavily sedated, and unconsciousness may follow.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International: Warning Signs for Type 1 Diabetes
- MedlinePlus: Diabetes Type 1
