One thing that surprises many people about type 1 diabetes is just how quickly someone can go from being perfectly healthy to displaying the symptoms of the condition. The onset of type 1 diabetes happens very suddenly, over a few weeks or sometimes just several days. Symptoms such as needing to urinate often, being very thirsty and often feeling tired are similar to those for type 2 diabetes.
These symptoms are sometimes hard to spot, but other symptoms such as itchiness around the penis or vagina, blurred vision and unexplained weight loss may be more noticeable. Again, these symptoms affect people both with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Symptoms that are more associated with type 1 diabetes include constipation and cramps.
These initial symptoms are caused by high blood glucose, which is in turn caused by a lack of insulin in the body. Once somebody has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes they will learn how to administer insulin to keep their blood glucose at a stable level. If too much insulin is administered someone with type 1 can suffer from hypoglycaemia due to low blood glucose. This can cause sweating, feelings of weakness and, if left untreated lead to unconsciousness.
If the same symptoms crop up - tiredness, thirst, needing to urinate lots - then it is likely that blood glucose will have dropped, often because not enough insulin has been administered. It's important that if blood glucose levels aren't stabilised medical help is sought immediately - if left untreated for long enough hyperglycaemia, as the condition is known, can end up being fatal.
If blood glucose levels are too low there will be other symptoms to watch out for such as tingling lips, hunger and nausea. This condition is known as hypoglycaemia and is often caused by taking too much insulin, but can also be caused by skipping meals, vigorous exercise and consuming alcohol on an empty stomach. A hypo can be rectified by having something sugary to eat or drink, but if left untreated an emergency injection of glucagon is needed to stave of unconsciousness.
These symptoms are sometimes hard to spot, but other symptoms such as itchiness around the penis or vagina, blurred vision and unexplained weight loss may be more noticeable. Again, these symptoms affect people both with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Symptoms that are more associated with type 1 diabetes include constipation and cramps.
These initial symptoms are caused by high blood glucose, which is in turn caused by a lack of insulin in the body. Once somebody has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes they will learn how to administer insulin to keep their blood glucose at a stable level. If too much insulin is administered someone with type 1 can suffer from hypoglycaemia due to low blood glucose. This can cause sweating, feelings of weakness and, if left untreated lead to unconsciousness.
If the same symptoms crop up - tiredness, thirst, needing to urinate lots - then it is likely that blood glucose will have dropped, often because not enough insulin has been administered. It's important that if blood glucose levels aren't stabilised medical help is sought immediately - if left untreated for long enough hyperglycaemia, as the condition is known, can end up being fatal.
If blood glucose levels are too low there will be other symptoms to watch out for such as tingling lips, hunger and nausea. This condition is known as hypoglycaemia and is often caused by taking too much insulin, but can also be caused by skipping meals, vigorous exercise and consuming alcohol on an empty stomach. A hypo can be rectified by having something sugary to eat or drink, but if left untreated an emergency injection of glucagon is needed to stave of unconsciousness.
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