Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

Individuals who suffer from type 1 diabetes symptoms manifest as a variety of symptoms simultaneously. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which mostly occurs because of absence of insulin to allow glucose to pass into the cells. The specific type 1 diabetes symptoms may start off gradually but their intensity increases with time. Well, the symptoms may develop quickly from a few days or even after a couple of weeks. Individuals who experience mild type 1 diabetes symptoms may tend to overlook them especially if the person had suffered from illnesses such as flu.

Glucose is the main source of energy derived from digested food. Normally, this substance is transferred to cells by the activity of insulin in from the pancreas. However, when there is little or no production of insulin, glucose becomes immobile remaining in the blood. Thus, cells don't get glucose and the build-up of sugar results in hyperglycaemia. Most individuals show the type 1 diabetes symptoms and develop this form of diabetes in their early adult hood before they reach 30 years.

Common type 1 diabetes symptoms

The chief cause of type 1 diabetes still remains unknown, however, scientists have discovered that the immune system in individuals who suffer from diabetes, mistakenly destroys islet cells located in the pancreas. It is also widely believed that hereditary factors play a crucial role in triggering the onset of the disease in successive generations. Individuals who may suffer from this type of diabetes exhibit the following type 1 diabetes symptoms:

Urge/ Frequent Urination- This is perhaps one of the more common type 1 diabetes symptoms which recurs almost throughout the lifetime of the victim. This may become more noticeable at night. Young kids may experience bed wetting also at night.

Increased thirst- Patients also experience extreme thirst which is often accompanied by dryness of the mouth. Thirst is triggered by excess sugar in the bloodstream which causes fluids to be absorbed from body tissues. In effect, this causes the diabetic person to feel thirsty prompting him/her to drink unusual amounts of water. 
Extreme hunger- Because of insulin deficiency, the cells cannot get enough supply of glucose the muscles and body organs experience depletion of energy. In effect, this triggers hunger which may persist for several hours even after consuming a meal. Low production of insulin therefore means that blood sugar never reaches body tissues which are starved of energy.

Unexplained weight loss- Is one of the common type 1 diabetes symptoms. Patients of diabetes may also lose weight quickly over a short period of time. This happens in spite of the fact that the diabetic person eats more than usual in order to relieve the intense hunger. When the tissues are starved of energy, the muscle tissues and stored fat stores also diminishes.

Poor vision- Normally results from high blood sugar which in effect drains fluid away from tissues including the eye lenses. This affects the lenses and may lead to diminished focus and thus blurred vision.

Diabetic ketoacidosis- It is also worthy to note that as the blood sugar level increases with diminished production of insulin, evidently, the cells lack glucose needed for energy. In this case, the body gradually breaks down fat plus muscle energy. Ketones (fatty acids) are produced and absorbed into the blood stream thus causing diabetic ketoacidosis which is a chemical imbalance with dire consequences.

Tiredness- The victim also experiences fatigue because the cells have been deprived of glucose. This makes the person feel exhausted even when undertaking light tasks. This feeling of tiredness may be accompanied by irritability.

When to consult a doctor for type 1 diabetes symptoms

Individuals who suspect they are experiencing this type of diabetes symptoms should consult their physicians. The physician will conduct some tests to ascertain whether you have already developed diabetes or you are at risk of developing the condition. As with other conditions, timely intervention can help in managing the symptoms of type 1 diabetes symptoms.