Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, usually occurs in children, adolescents and young adults, Medline Plus explains. The body in type 1 diabetes does not produce enough insulin, normally produced in the pancreas and needed to supply cells with blood sugar later used for energy. Type 1 diabetics do not have the blood sugar necessary for energy and need to take insulin medication to survive. Attacks or episodes of abnormal sugar levels cause physical reactions in type 1 diabetes.
Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, develops quickly for diabetics taking insulin. Reactions take effect when blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg/dL, according to MedlinePlus. Normal levels should be above 90 mg/dL for children, depending on their age, and above 70 mg/dL for adults. Symptoms include weakness, sweating, shaking, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, hunger and headaches. Although type 1 diabetics normally follow a treatment plan that includes insulin therapy, sometimes they do not have the correct amount of insulin. They check their blood sugar readings with a glucose meter. If levels are too low or they begin to feel symptoms, diabetics can quickly eat something with sugar, including fruit juice, soda or candies. Symptoms usually go away within 15 minutes. When blood sugar levels return to normal, diabetics eat snacks with carbohydrates and protein, including milk or cheese and crackers.
High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar levels, also called hyperglycemia, may result from eating too much food during a meal, according to FamilyDoctor.org. However, even when eating properly and taking adequate amounts of insulin, people with type 1 diabetes can suffer from high blood sugar reactions following an illness or going through stressful periods. Sudden fatigue, extreme thirst, blurry vision and frequent urination indicate high blood sugar. People who have symptoms need to take extra doses of rapid-acting insulin to return their blood sugar levels to normal.
Imbalance
People with type 1 diabetes need to follow their diet, insulin therapy and physical activity carefully. When imbalances occur, reactions from abnormal blood sugar levels can follow with symptoms of weakness, hunger, thirst or heart palpitations. Changing an exercise program, for example, can affect blood sugar levels when diet and insulin remain the same. Type 1 diabetics have to modify their diet and medication when changing physical activity to keep blood sugar levels normal. Often, diabetics check with their doctor when they plan to make changes. Diabetics also change the amount of insulin they take before exercising, during an illness or when they change their diet.
