Diabetes is a chronic condition that involves high levels of blood sugar in the body. The hormone insulin is produced by the pancreas which is responsible for controlling the amount of glucose in the blood.
Indications of diabetes
The usual indications of type 1 diabetes include the following:
- Excessive thirst
- Feeling very tired or fatigue
- Passing more urine than usual, especially at night time
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes typically develop rapidly among young individuals. Among adults, the symptoms take a longer time to develop. - Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes typically develop rapidly among young individuals. Among adults, the symptoms take a longer time to develop.
The symptoms develop due to the lack of insulin. It simply means that glucose stays in the blood and not used as fuel for the body. The body tries to reduce the blood glucose levels by eliminating the excess glucose in the urine.
It is vital for the condition to the diagnosed as soon as possible since it becomes progressively worse if left untreated.
Management of type 1 diabetes
Diabetes could not be cured. The treatment is aimed on maintaining the blood glucose levels as normal as possible and controlling the symptoms to prevent health issues from developing later in life.
If an individual has been diagnosed with diabetes, he/she is referred to a specialist for proper treatment and monitoring.
Since the body could not produce enough insulin, regular insulin injections are required to keep the glucose levels normal. There are also alternatives to insulin injections but only suitable for some cases.
Potential complications
Diabetes can result to serious long-term health issues. It is the most common cause of vision loss and blindness among individuals of working age.
Those who have diabetes at 12 years old or over must have their eyes assessed once every year for diabetic retinopathy. The condition is also the reason for many cases of kidney failure and lower limb amputation.
Individuals with diabetes are at high risk for cardiovascular disease such as stroke than those who do not have the condition.