5 Things You Need to Know About Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

1. Common Symptoms of a Serious Disease

Type 1 diabetes symptoms may not cause alarm at first, especially since they can follow an injury or a virus such as the flu. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent bathroom breaks and blurred vision due to dehydration. Increased hunger and unexplained weight loss are also symptoms. Energy loss also leads to fatigue and irritability. A loss of sensation in the feet, dry skin and sores that don't heal are also signs.

2. The Glucose Connection

The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but genetics may play a role. It affects people who are 20 years old or younger, and those who are obese or have a family history have the highest risk. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, which is a necessary hormone that converts sugar, or glucose, starches and other food into energy for the body. People with type 1 diabetes have a weakened immune system. The cells that produce insulin are then attacked, causing harmful sugar buildup in the bloodstream. The buildup can cause your body's tissues to dehydrate, which results in problems such as increased thirst.

3. Get a Blood Test

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you're experiencing symptoms associated with type 1 diabetes. Your doctor will give you a random blood sugar test, where a blood sample is taken after you've eaten. If the sample reads 200 mg/dl, this indicates diabetes. Another common test is a fasting blood test, where a sample is taken after an overnight fast. Normal readings should fall between 70 and 100 mg/dl, while a reading of 126 mg/dl or higher signifies diabetes.

4. Take Care of Your Health

Maintaining your overall health and monitoring your blood sugar reduces the risks of high blood sugar caused by overeating or illness and low blood sugar caused by skipping meals or exertion. Get emergency medical care immediately as these problems can cause diabetic seizures or a coma. Other problems that can develop over time include heart disease, eye or nerve damage and kidney failure, all of which are life-threatening.

5. Stay On Top of Your Disease

Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves taking doses of insulin injections or using an insulin pump. Constant monitoring of your blood sugar up to four times a day is another way to control type 1 diabetes. In addition to your doctor, you may work with a dietician and a diabetes counselor on issues such as how to maintain a healthful diet, get enough exercise and manage stress.