Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile onset diabetes, develops when the body does not produce enough or any insulin to control blood glucose levels. In Type 2 diabetes, the body produces the necessary levels of insulin, but it no longer recognizes or uses it. The majority of people with Type 1 diabetes are diagnosed when they are in their teens or early twenties. Type 2 diabetes is caused by changes in a person’s health or lifestyle habits that lead the body to function abnormally. Years of eating sugary foods, being overweight, and failing to exercise can lead the body to slow down, allowing sugar to build up. The body may no longer be able to utilise the insulin if this happens.
Diabetes is a long-term health issue that will only worsen as time goes on. Changes in blood sugar levels can have a negative impact on several elements of a person’s health. Diabetic neuropathy is caused by changes in blood flow that irritate the nerves. Due to poor circulation, diabetes can cause eyesight loss, gangrene in the feet or hands, and failure to heal after a cut or laceration.
Obesity is a prevalent health issue that is linked to diabetes. An failure to use insulin efficiently can lead to overeating, especially if the person does not exercise enough to burn off the excess glucose in the blood.
A doctor will look for a variety of symptoms while trying to diagnose diabetes. Doctors check for symptoms including unquenchable thirst, dizziness, inability to concentrate, and muscle weakness after not eating for a long time when deciding whether or not a patient is diabetic. A person may also experience night sweats and urinate more frequently than usual. Additional red signals include increased appetite and extreme tiredness. Blacking out can be a sign as well, especially if the person has advanced diabetes or hasn’t been taking their insulin as prescribed.
Type 1 diabetes is less common that type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes can occur at any age, but usually first develops in childhood or adolescence. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 – 10% of all diabetes cases.
Symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:
• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Sudden weight loss
• Extreme fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) occurs when blood sugar (glucose) levels fall below normal. Patients with type 1 diabetes should be aware of these symptoms of hypoglycemia:
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Hunger
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion
Here at The Grove Health we provide healthcare that is personalized to each person with the focus on preventive care. We understand just how important it is to live a healthy and well lived life. We create a sense of calm for all members of the family so everyone can feel at ease discussing your concerns about health. Be sure to read more information about other conditions we treat in our Chronic Care Management section of the website. For more information about Type 1 Diabetes go to the CDC website.
Our Specialty Services such as IV Therapy and Dysport are available on-demand with a some needing to be scheduled ahead of time in order to prepare.
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