Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease caused by the fact that the cells producing insulin are being destroyed. If no insulin is produced, glucose isn't metabolized and its level starts to increases in blood and urine. Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 has a sudden onset and symptoms are noticeable faster. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are misleading and can be easily confused with those caused by stomach flu. Vomiting occurs especially in children, but sometimes in adults also.
The four most common symptoms that should definitely send you to the doctor are -
1. Polydipsia (increased thirst)
2. Polyuria (frequent urination)
3. Polyphagia (increased hunger)
4. Weight loss
There are also other symptoms of type 1 diabetes, but these ones are usually the first ones in signaling the problem. They all occur because the body is struggling to face the high level of glucose and because glucose, if it's not metabolized, it doesn't transform into energy and it is not fueling the cells. The body is asking for more food in order to substitute for the energy it doesn't receive anymore. In the same time, deprivation of energy leads to fatigue and irritability. The body also pulls fluids out of the cells for diluting glucose and this leads to weight loss. Weight loss is also caused by the fact that the body starts using nutrients stored in muscle and fat Tissue that is left dehydrated is responsible for the increased thirst and, if eye lenses are also affected by dehydration, blurred vision might occur.
A high level of blood sugar also affects blood vessels and nerves in time and this makes the patients experience tingling in hands and feet. This condition is called peripheral neuropathy. Among the symptoms of type 1 diabetes it is important to also mention recurrent infections, especially skin or genital infections. The body, weakened by the lack of energy, is finding it very difficult to fight these infections.
Other symptoms of type 1 diabetes occur when the blood sugar get extremely high. They include a dryness of the skin and mouth, rapid breathing, nausea and vomiting, stomachaches and a fruity breath odor. On the other hand, people receiving insulin can easily become hypoglycemic (the blood sugar level drops very fast). In this case they might accuse headaches, irritability, palpitations, trembling and sweating, as well as increased appetite.
Whatever the case is, symptoms of type 1 diabetes should immediately send the sufferer to a doctor for a correctly established diagnosis and treatment method.
