Before looking at the symptoms of diabetes type 1, it would be great to explain what this type of diabetes means. Diabetes is a disease that results from the inability of the body to secrete adequate insulin that can keep the blood sugar (glucose) level within the required, normal range. We all need a certain amount of glucose in our blood but this should not exceed a given level as it could be detrimental to the body as time advances. The type 1 diabetes refers to the type of diabetes where the body creates an auto-immune state. This means that the cells that secrete insulin (beta cells) in the pancreas are damaged. This impairs both the functioning of these cells and the secretion of insulin. When the body is unable to use or secrete insulin as required, the cells will start utilizing fats and proteins to produce energy. What results is a distorted metabolism all translating to symptoms of diabetes type 1.

With reference to the etiology and the onset age of the disease, type 1 diabetes has other names such as juvenile, childhood, or insulin-dependent diabetes. Initially, people thought that it affected only kids and so they referred to it as childhood or juvenile diabetes. Nevertheless, it has been proved to affect people in all age brackets.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes Type 1

Up to now, the etiology of type 1 diabetes is yet to be established. However, medics suggest that both environmental and genetic factors might cause it. Individuals diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes show different symptoms and a common one is a high amount of sugar in their bloodstream. Here are other common symptoms of diabetes type 1.

Increased Urination

A patient with this disease will experience the urge to pass urine frequently. This condition is also known as polyuria. The patient may also produce an unusually large urine volume. Polyuria in addition to high sugar levels in urine are some of the earliest symptoms of type 1 diabetes. Generally, an adult suffering from this disease may pass urine volume of 2.5 litres or more in 24 hours.

Increased thirst

A type 1 diabetic usually drinks plenty of fluids. Given that the blood has excessive sugar and gets more fluid from its surrounding tissues (through osmosis), the patient will feel thirstier. Besides, increased thirst directly results from increased urination. Passing large volumes of urine causes the body to lose more fluids thus causing dehydration. Therefore, the patient feels thirsty causing them to drink more fluids in compensation for what they lose.

Increased hunger

Since there is no insulin secretion, body cells won’t absorb sugar from the bloodstream. The body tissues and cells deplete their energy. Consequently, the cells begin to utilize fats and proteins to source sugar and in the process, the body is deprived of energy. The result is extreme hunger to the patient in a bid to strike a balance of energy level of body tissues and cells.

Increased fatigue

Given that type 1 diabetics lose large volumes of urine, they obviously undergo dehydration and feel tired most of the time. Besides, since there is no insulin, a large amount of sugar in the blood is eliminated through the urine, which leaves the body cells with no source of energy. This causes the patient to experience fatigue even when he or she does not perform strenuous activities.

Weight loss

Research shows that patients with type 1 diabetes often lose more weight than those with other types of diabetes. This is because type 1 diabetics lose huge amounts of sugar and fluid in their urine. Therefore, even if the patient sticks to a regular diet plan, he or she will lose body weight.

Blurred vision

Excessive glucose levels in the blood usually affect the other cells in the body and these include the eye lenses (through osmosis). As a result, retina’s focus is disturbed, causing blurred vision. The other common symptoms of diabetes type 1 are vomiting, nausea, skin infections, abdominal pain, and poor concentration or performance.

3 Ways to Diagnose the Symptoms of Diabetes Type 1

Many people with this disorder can remain ignorant about it rendering early diagnosis difficult. This is because diabetes 1 symptoms resemble those of other ailments, and this brings confusion. Identification of diabetes requires routine examination and several tests. If the blood test results point to higher sugar levels than the normal level, then diagnosis is done. Generally, the normal level of sugar in the human blood should be 100 milligrams per decilitre.

Urine analysis

This is one of the diabetes tests. In this test, a health professional carries out the chemical, microscopic and physical examination of urine. The medical expert tests urine foe presence of glucose and ketones that result from fat metabolism. A high amount of glucose in urine may prove a positive test though urine analysis is not enough to diagnose the disorder.

Random blood sugar test

This test can be done at any time to find out how much glucose is in the blood sample. Depending on the intake of fluids and food before the test, results may vary. Normally, the results are 70-130 mg/dl prior to meals and below 180 mg/dl after meals. If the blood sugar level goes beyond 200 mg/dl, then diabetes is suspected.

Fasting blood sugar test

A health professional can confirm for the presence of diabetes 1 by comparing fasting and random blood sugar levels. This test takes place after going without meals or fluids for 6 hours (fasting) prior to the test. If the test finds blood glucose level to be 126 mg/dl or more on two occasions, then diabetes type 1 is diagnosed.

Treating the Symptoms of Diabetes Type 1

This disorder is treated by administering of external insulin in addition to lifestyle changes, diet management, and frequent monitoring of the level blood sugar. A patient can receive the insulin hormone through an injection or using the insulin pump therapy. A medical instrument known as a glucometer or glucose meter helps to check glucose levels in the blood. If you or your loved one has the symptoms of diabetes 1, do not worry. Take the support that is available and manage the disease. You will need a lot of learning along the way.