Living With Diabetes

What are the Warning Signs of Type 1 Diabetes?

The onset of type 1 diabetes, previously known as juvenile diabetes, happens very quickly. The following symptoms may appear suddenly and are too severe to overlook:

•Increased thirst
•Increased urination (bed-wetting may occur in children who have already been toilet trained)
•Rapid and unexplained weight loss
•Extreme hunger
•Extreme weakness or fatigue
•Unusual irritability
•Blurred vision
•Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
•Unpleasant breath odor
•Itchy skin

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

Type 1 diabetes is treated by taking insulin injections or using an insulin pump or other device. This outside source of insulin now serves as the “key” — bringing glucose to the body’s cells. The challenge with taking insulin is that it’s tough to know precisely how much insulin to take. The amount is based on many factors, including:
• Food
• Exercise
• Stress
• Emotions and general health

These factors change a lot throughout every day. So, deciding on what dose of insulin to take is a complicated balancing act. If you take too much insulin, then your blood sugar can drop to a dangerously low level. This is a called hypoglycemia and it can be life-threatening.

If you take too little insulin, your blood sugar can rise to a dangerously high level. Your cells are not getting the sugar, or energy, they need. This is called hyperglycemia. As mentioned above, high blood sugar levels can lead to the long-term complications and can also be life-threatening.

Today, a wide range of computerized diabetes devices are available to help people better manager their blood sugar levels while research toward a cure for diabetes moves forward.

What are the Warning Signs of Type 2 Diabetes?

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to those of type 1 diabetes. But the onset of type 2 diabetes is usually slower and the symptoms are not as noticeable as those for type 1 diabetes. For these reasons, many people mistakenly overlook the warning signs. They also might think that the symptoms are the signs of other conditions, like aging, overworking or hot weather. 

Type 2 Diabetes Treatment 

Treatment for type 2 diabetes focuses on improving ways to better use the insulin the body already produces to normalize blood sugar levels. Treatment programs for type 2 diabetes focus on diet, exercise and weight loss. If blood sugar levels are still high, medications are used to help the body use its own insulin more efficiently. In some cases, insulin injections are necessary. 

DIABETES BROCHURES FOR YOU! 

Here are some brochures you can download right now to learn more about what is diabetes?, diabetes treatment, warning signs of diabetes, and to get helpful info for your child with type 1 diabetes. You can also sign-up below to get news and tips about diabetes emailed to you.