Health Answers

Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed during the childhood years, which is why it is also known as juvenile diabetes. However, it is possible to develop this type of diabetes at any point during your life.

Since this is not an illness that arises due to obesity or poor diet choices, there is actually little that you can do to prevent the onset. Instead, it is often associated with family heredity. There is also the possibility that it is brought on through a variety of viruses. Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system turns on the insulin producing cells within the pancreas.

It is the pancreas that produces insulin, which acts as a sort of key to open the way for sugar to be absorbed into the cells of your body. Sugar in the form of glucose is necessary for your body’s energy supply.

When insulin is not present to help sugar get absorbed into the cells of your body, this sugar can build up in your bloodstream. The result can be a whole host of physical issues that you might experience with diabetes.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms of type 1 diabetes, but none of them may seem particularly serious on the surface. However, diabetes that is left unchecked and untreated can cause severe and even life-threatening problems.

This is why it is important to recognize the symptoms of type 1 diabetes, so that if you suspect you might have this disease, you can seek your doctor’s advice and assistance as soon as possible. Symptoms of diabetes might include an increased thirst and need to urinate.

Extreme hunger is also a sign of diabetes, particularly when it is accompanied by a sudden weight loss. Fatigue and irritability can also be symptoms of diabetes, because they may be a sign that your body is being depleted of much needed energy.

Finally, some people with type 1 diabetes might experience blurred vision, since the tissue of your eyes can also be affected by this disease. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it would be wise to make an appointment with your doctor to determine if type 1 diabetes really is the reason behind your symptoms.

Tests and Treatment

Your doctor can run tests to determine if you do indeed have type 1 diabetes. If it is found that you are suffering from this disease, there are a number of options that you can utilize to effectively control your illness.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes at this point in time. However, there have been great strides made in the area of disease management, and many who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can now live long and healthy lives. The first step is to get a prompt diagnosis so that you can begin to manage your illness as soon as possible.

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