Type 1 Diabetes - Topic Overview
Other things that increase the risk of getting type 1 diabetes are being white and having islet cell antibodies in the blood.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of diabetes are:
- Being very thirsty.
- Urinating a lot.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Being hungrier than usual (sometimes).
- Blurry eyesight.
These symptoms usually appear over a few days to weeks. Sometimes people notice symptoms after an illness, such as the flu. They may think that the diabetes symptoms are because of the flu, so they don't seek medical care soon enough.
If a person waits too long to get medical care, he or she may get symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis. Symptoms of this problem include:
- Flushed, hot, dry skin.
- Not feeling hungry.
- Belly pain.
- Vomiting.
- A strong, fruity breath odor.
- Fast and shallow breathing.
- Restlessness, drowsiness, or trouble waking up.
- Confusion.
How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed?
A doctor asks questions about the person's health and does a physical exam. A blood test measures the person's glucose.
Some people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes because they have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.
How is it treated?
Treatment for type 1 diabetes focuses on keeping blood sugar levels within a target range. A person with type 1 diabetes needs to:
- Take insulin through daily shots or an insulin pump.
- Eat a healthy diet that spreads carbohydrate throughout the day.
- Check blood sugar levels several times a day.
- Get regular exercise.
When a small child has diabetes, the parents have the responsibility for blood sugar control. As the child grows, he or she can take over more of the diabetes care.
Treatment may change based on the results of daily home blood sugar tests and other tests or exams.
Can type 1 diabetes be prevented?
There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes. But studies are being done to find ways to prevent or delay diabetes in people who are most likely to get it.
Tight control of blood sugar and blood pressure can help people with type 1 diabetes prevent or delay problems with their eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and nerves.
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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Type 1 Diabetes Topics
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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