Diabetes Health Center
Type 1 Diabetes: Recently Diagnosed - Topic Overview
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This topic provides information about type 1 diabetes for adults and for parents of children who have been diagnosed with the disease in the past 6 weeks. If this topic doesn't answer your questions, one of the following topics may meet your needs.
- Type 1 Diabetes, if you want to learn about type 1 diabetes but do not have the disease.
- Type 1 Diabetes: Living With the Disease, if you or your adolescent has type 1 diabetes. If you have not read the topic, Type 1 Diabetes: Recently Diagnosed, you may want to read it first.
- Type 1 Diabetes: Children Living With the Disease, if your child age 11 or younger has type 1 diabetes. If you have not read the topic Type 1 Diabetes: Recently Diagnosed, you may want to read it first.
- Type 1 Diabetes: Living With Complications, if you have complications caused by your diabetes, such as eye, kidney, heart, nerve, or blood vessel disease.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
is a lifelong disease that develops when the
pancreas
can no longer produce
insulin. Insulin lets sugar (glucose) enter your
body's cells, where it is used for energy. Without insulin, sugar builds up in
your blood. The level rises above what is safe for your body. Over time, high
blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout your body and
increase your risk of eye, heart, blood vessel, nerve, and kidney
disease.
Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age. But it usually develops in children and young adults. In the past, type 1 diabetes was called juvenile diabetes and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).
What causes type 1 diabetes?
Insulin is made by certain cells (beta cells) in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes develops because the body destroys the beta cells and therefore the pancreas's ability to produce insulin.
Some people inherit the risk for type 1 diabetes. But even these people may not develop type 1 diabetes unless other factors, such as exposure to certain viral infections, are present.1
What are the symptoms of high blood sugar and low blood sugar?
The main symptoms of high blood sugar from diabetes are:
- Increased thirst.
- Increased urination.
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- Increased appetite.
These symptoms usually develop over a few days to weeks. Some people have these symptoms before they are diagnosed, but they do not realize the symptoms are caused by diabetes. They may believe the symptoms are caused by the flu or some other illness.
When insulin levels drop very low, blood sugar can rise very high and a life-threatening situation called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can develop. DKA is an emergency. Symptoms include:
- Flushed, hot, dry skin.
- A strong, fruity breath odor.
- Restlessness, drowsiness, or difficulty waking up. Young children may lack interest in their normal activities.
- Rapid, deep breathing.
- Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
- Confusion.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Type 1 Diabetes: Recently Diagnosed Topics
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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