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Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce
sufficient or any insulin or is unable to use the insulin it does
produce. There are 3 types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and
gestational diabetes. All three types are serious and are managed
with lifestyle adjustments and healthy eating, but those with type 1
diabetes need insulin injections, as their bodies do not produce
this hormone necessary for cells to use the sugar in the
bloodstream.
Type 1 diabetes usually presents in childhood, before puberty. It
is an autoimmune system disease in which the immune system works to
destroy cells or tissues in it’s own body. The pancreas contains
beta cells that are responsible for producing insulin. With type 1
diabetes, these cells are targeted for attack by the autoimmune
system. When these cells are reduced to a number no longer
sufficient to make enough insulin to keep the rest of the body fed
and energized, the body begins to show symptoms of type 1 diabetes.
The first signs develop quickly and should be followed up on as
soon as they are detected. Increased urination is caused by the body
trying to flush out the excess sugar by diluting it with water and
excreting it in urine. This process leads to the next symptom,
increased or excess thirst. People with type 1 diabetes also are
fatigued due to the body’s inability to use the sugar as energy and
they may experience weight loss as the body is unable to process the
calories they consume.
Since they are not able to use the food they are eating, their
appetites will increase, as a result their bodies trying to get
energy for growth and maintenance. Nausea is a symptom of type 1
diabetes as is blurred vision and infections of the throat and
mouth, such as thrush, or irritation of the genitals.
These are the symptoms of diabetes; if left untreated, symptoms
of diabetic ketoacidosis will start to develop. This condition can
lead to severe complications including coma and death.
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