Juvenile diabetes, known as type 1 diabetes, was also once called "insulin-dependent diabetes." There are several different types of diabetes, but people with type 1 diabetes produce no insulin hormone or only minimal amounts, says the Mayo Clinic. This requires people with type 1 diabetes to take insulin shots to make up for their lack of insulin production. Though the U.S. National Library of Medicine says that it's frequently diagnosed in adolescents and even children, type 1 diabetes can strike at any age. The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, and there is no cure for the disease.
Increased Thirst and Hunger
People with type 1 diabetes often feel extreme, excessive hunger because organs and muscles in the body aren't getting the sugar--and the energy--that they need to function, says the Mayo Clinic. As blood glucose (sugar) levels rise, the body's tissues may become dehydrated, causing increased thirst.
Increased Urination
When you're drinking a lot more water and fluids, naturally you're going to be urinating a lot more too. The Mayo Clinic says that increased urination is another possible symptom of type 1 diabetes.
Weight Loss
If you're dieting or restricting calories, weight loss is easily explained. But if you feel starved all the time--even after you've eaten--and are constantly eating more than is normal for you, you shouldn't be losing weight. The Mayo Clinic notes that unusual weight loss, particularly if it happens rapidly, is a symptom of type 1 diabetes.
Blurry Vision
Excess blood glucose levels building up in the blood draws fluid from the body's tissues, leaving them dehydrated. The Mayo Clinic says that even your eyes can be affected, and your lenses can suffer fluid loss that results in blurry vision and difficulty focusing.
No Feeling in the Feet
A tingling sensation in the feet or even loss of feeling in the feet is also a symptom of type 1 diabetes, according to the NLM. These symptoms are caused by excess blood glucose levels.
Feeling Tired
Since the body's cells are essentially starved for sugar (since there's no insulin to push sugar to the cells), feeling fatigued and sluggish are common signs of type 1 diabetes. The Mayo Clinic notes that irritability due to fatigue is also common.
