Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are usually different from that of Type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, there is a rapid onset of hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugars) due to complete ( or near complete) lack of insulin production by the islet cells of the pancreas. Often blood sugar level rises significantly, usually into the range of above 300 mg/dl. The rapid and significant rise in blood sugar level gives rise to classical symptoms of Type 1 diabetics, which are as follows:
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive eating
- Weight loss despite excessive eating
- Frequent urination of large volumes, especially waking up several times a night to urinate
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Sometimes, some acute illness such as a cold, flu or any other acute stress precipitates the onset of these symptoms.
Although the above-mentioned symptoms are typically the symptoms of type 1 diabetes, these symptoms are not unique to type 1 diabetes by any means. These symptoms can rarely develop in Type 2 diabetes as well.
Signs And Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition. That’s why it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis which are as follows:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fruity smell on their breath
- Mental confusion
- Drowsiness, and can even lapse into a coma.
If not treated promptly, these patients can die.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis typically occurs in Type 1 diabetics, although it rarely may take place in Type 2 diabetics, as well.
Diseases Associated With Type 1 Diabetes
A person with type 1 diabetes is at a high risk of developing other autoimmune disorders. These include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, asthma, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis. It all depends where the hyped-up immune cells will launch their attack. thyroid, stomach, lungs, skin or joints. Therefore, a person may suffer from the symptoms of any of these autoimmune disorders, in addition to the symptoms of type 1 diabetes.
