Type 1 Diabetes

This type of diabetes is also known as juvenile or insulin dependent diabetes. This is because the pancreas (the organ that produces insulin), produces little to no insulin (the hormone that allows sugar to enter cells to produce energy).

It usually appears during childhood or adolescence however; it sometimes develops in adults.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes include:

• Excessive thirst

• Excessive Urination

• Frequent bed wetting for children who rarely wets the bed

• Excessive hunger

• Rapid loss of weight

• Mood swings

• Fatigue

• Blurry vision

Though not all symptoms may appear or none at all. it is best to check with your doctor regularly.

Type 1 diabetes is treated with injecting insulin into the body. Where this helps your body use the sugars from the food you eat for energy. 

Type 1 diabetes can also be treated with the following:

• Healthy diet

• Regular exercise

• Monitoring carbohydrates intake

There are many different types of insulin:

• Short-acting Insulin: this type of insulin starts working 30 minutes after injection. Where it peaks at 90 to 120 minutes and lasts about 4 to 6 hours. Example: Humulin R and Novolin R.

• Rapid-acting Insulin: this type of insulin starts within 15 minutes. It reaches its peak at 60 minutes and lasts 4 hours. This type is often used 15 to 20 mins before meals.

• Long-acting Insulin: this type of insulin provides coverage for as long as 14 to 40 hours.

Insulin cannot be ingested via the mouth because the stomach enzymes will break down the insulin. As such insulin is taken via injections. 

It is recommended that your glucose levels be checkd atleast twice a day. This is to ensure that your glucose levels dont go too low. This is because the glucose levels fluctuate whenever you eat or drink. 

Hypoglycemia

Despite your best efforts, problems may occur. One of these problems is diabetic hypoglycemia. Where someone with diabetes doesn't have enough sugar in the blood. This can occur due to skipping meals or eating fewer carbohydrates that required for your meal plan. Or even injecting too much insulin. As such, it is best to test your sugar levels when you think they are low. Early symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• Shakiness

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Sweating

• Hunger or nausea

• Irregular or fast heartbeat

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Numbness in the lips, tongue or cheek

Nighttime hypoglycemia may cause you to wake up sweat soaked. If not treated, hypoglycemia can worsen to include:

• Loss of coordination

• Slurred speech

• Blurry or tunnel vision

• Muscle weakness

• Drowsiness

In some cases, hypoglycemia can become much severe and lead to unconsciousness or seizures.

Hyperglycemia

There is also hyperglycemia, which is when the blood sugar becomes too high. This can occur due to eating the wrong types of food or not taking enough insulin. Where the glucose level is above 150mg/dL. Symptoms include:

• Frequent urination

• Increased thirst

• Blurred vision

• Fatigue

• Irritability

Ketoacidosis

Other than hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, there is also diabetic ketoacidosis. Where your cells are starved for energy, as such the body begins to break down fat. This produces toxic acids known as ketones, whereby this is a life threatening emergency. Symptoms include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Weakness

• Coma

Its best to get tested for ketoacidosis at your nearest clinic or health care provider.