Diabetes type 1, also known as the juvenile type of diabetes is a pancreatic abnormality in which the pancreatic cells called the islet of langerhans do not synthesize a hormone called insulin to regulate the amount of sugar present in your blood stream. When the blood sugar continues to elevate overtime, it can eventually lead to some health problems that are considered to be life threatening in the future. It can affect vital organs such are the hear and kidneys along with other organs such as nerves, eyes, gums and teeth. This type of diabetes occurs in pediatric patients or children (Most common onset would be at the age of 9 years old). Other risk factors that would aggrevate this disease to manifest would be mechanical and pathologic trauma of the pancreas in which this organ will no longer fuction properly to secrete insulin like for example, viral infections and auto immune diseases that would cause the body’s own antibodies to attack its own pancreatic cells that produces insulin.

The classic triad of this disease are severe hunger(polyphagia) frequent urination (polyuria) and severe thirst (polydipsia). Other manifestations would include: fatigue, wounds that slowly heal, dry itchy skin, tingling sensations in fingers and toes, and dramatic weight loss.

Most often thtan not, most people suffering from type 1 diabetes are likely to experience life threatening manifestations as well that would need prompt medical attention and treatment. When the blood sugar is very high, chances are the patient is likely to experience diabeteic keto acidosis. This is a condition when unmetabolized suger turns to toxic substances known as ketones. These ketones make the blood so acidic that it can damage the organs. Left untreated, it could eventually lead to renal failure and diabetic coma. Signs and symptoms of this complication would include deep rapid breathing, which is also known as kussmauls breathing, dry skin and mouth, flushed skin appearance, acetone or fruity breath, nausea and vomitting and belly aches. The treatment would require a prompt dose of insulin to lower blood sugar.

On the other hand, when the patient is low in sugar, the body will react in a different way. Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia can set in rapidly and it can be just as dangerous as the state when the blood sugar is too high. This occurs when the blood sugar falls below the normal range which is 80 to 120 mg/dl. Manifestations would include headaches, tremors, lightheadedness,hunger, fatigue, heart palpitations and cold sweats. The treatment would include a prompt intake of simple sugars found in fruit juices, or candies. If a patient becomes unconscious, call the doctor for the infusion of needed fluids and sugar.

There is no known permanent cure for this disease. The patient suffering form this condition would need a lifetimes supply of insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. This disease should be strictly managed along with the intake of a proper diet and exercise. It is also necessary to watch out for wounds that slowly heal. Early treatment of the wounds and keeping them clean would prevent complications such as diabetic ulcers.

For more information, visit http://Diabetes-Type-1.org

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My 38 year old sister has PKU and was on a strict diet until 18. She went back on the diet last year following positive research from the internet. My 18 year old daughter has recently been diagnosed with diabetes type 1. She is unusual. She has negative antibodies and had hypos for 2 weeks off insulin. She has been off insulin for 7 weeks and her blood is just starting to rise in the evening although has had a few hypos recently. She was tested for addisons disease and this was negative. I am curious as to whether there is a medical connection between diabetes and PKU.

no, not really, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, while pku is a metabolic problem

I am slightly overweight and I don’t eat healthy at all. I am 18 and I refuse to weigh myself. I am scared that I have or can get diabetes type 1. I don’t want to have it. I am fearing that I must change my diet or eat pills everyday. I love the food I am eating. I don’t want to change it……

First you need to do some more research and realize that type one diabetes is NOT a result of poor diet, being overweight, or a sedentary lifestyle. You are at more risk for having type TWO diabetes instead. Also, had you untreated type one diabetes you would be deathly ill and almost unable to function. Don’t court trouble. Work on your weight and lifestyle so that you can lesson your predisposition to type TWO diabetes.

I have all the symptoms of Diabetes Type 1, Except weight lose… Does that mean I have it.. PLEASE HELP

Diabetes can be diagnoses ONLY through blood tests taken by a doctor. Diabetes canNOT be diagnosed by symptoms alone. There are too many other diseases that have the same symptoms. For example, diabetes can make your fingers tingle — but so can a slipped disk. Diabetes makes you pee a lot — but so does eating watermellon.

If you are really concered, have your doctor perform on SIMPLE test. The test is called A1C. This test is simple, fast, and accurate. The doctor can usually perform it in his office in 5-10 minutes IF he has the equipment. If not he will have to take a blood sample to the lab for 2-3 days.

The AC test takes an AVERAGE of your blood sugar over the last 90 days. A NORMAL A1C reading is betwee 5 and 6. If your reading is normal then you probably are not diabetic.

If the A1C reading is above 7, the doctor will probably want another test call Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT). This test is more complicated, takes longer (3-4 hours), and can hurt a bit. BUT it is definitive. The GTT will tell you YES or NO if you have diabetes.

If the GTT says YES, then you need to start treatment right away.

If the A1C is HIGH but the GTT says NO then you are probably hyperglycemic. You need to watch your diet, get more exercise, and lose some wegith. Hyperglycemia can turn into diabetes later.

There is a third test that you have to be careful of. This is called the Finger Stick Glood Glucose Reading, or just "Finger Stick". With this test the doctor pricks your finger and takes ONE DROP of blood into a handheld meter. The results come back on 30 seconds.

This is the same test that all diabetics use to check their own blood sugar levels 3-4 times a day. This is a CONTROL test.

But since the A1C was invented (3-4 year ago) the Finger Stick test is no longer a good test for DIAGNOSIS of diabetes, as it reads your sugar "instantly". The A1C test takes a 90-day average, and is thus much more accurate.

If the doctor take one drop of blood into a HAND-HELD METER, that is NOT an A1C test! You need to insist that the doctor do the A1C test.

I’ve had one doctor tell me that I’m hypoglycemic. Another doctor told me to be careful because my blood-sugar test came back in the pre-diabetic (type 2) range. Are these two really the same or are they two different conditions? I’m so confused! (

diabetes and hypoglycaemia are different conditions.

Diabetes: body does not produce enough insulin, or the body does not use the insulin effectively (insulin-resistance).

Hypoglycaemia: body either has too much insulin making blood sugar drop, or body uses the insulin too effectively

There is some theories around that people who get type II diabetes start off with the pancreas over-producing insulin. Either as a pancreas-fault or due to insulin resistance. The pancreas then may "burn-out" and can no longer produce enough insulin to deal with food correctly. …at which point you get sick enough to go to the doctor and get diagnosed with diabetes.

They have not yet proved this theory (as far as I know).

If your blood sugar was high (pre-diabetic range) for one doc, and low (hypoglycaemic) for another doc, then this suggests you are not processing sugar properly. You could be reactive hypoglycaemic. This means you have enough insulin, but you produce it at the wrong time (bit like a faulty thermostat on a heating system). Ask for a prolonged glucose tolerance test to get a better picture of how your body is reacting to sugar.

in a clinic that is only for people with diabetes type 2. what human resources are needed. for example nurses,doctors ..but i need more. please help..thanks

Well lets start with doctor who is knowledgeable about your general health and the impact of diabetes. There are not really that many as you would think. Then a dietitian would be next so can be taught how to eat and those foods that don’t help your condition. Then depending how your personal expression of diabetes is progress then an internal medical person would next. That the minimum specialist. Then nurses who really understand diabetes would be nice.

Best Wishes.

I have just been diagnosed with type 2 and really do not understand what would cause a hypo if one is eating regularly and often. Of course i refer to diabetes friendly foods.

Diet & excercise play an important role in managing your diabetes. Insulin and or medication also help to control BS levels. Type 2 diabetes along with all the above especially insulin, or medication can cause BS to drop too low. When mine drops to the 70′s range I start feeling very shaky my face gets tingly I feel sweaty, irritable , nervous , my heart starts pounding (sudden release of adrenaline) I feel woozy lightheaded, immediately I treat it.by eating something containing protein Some examples are cheese, 1/2 peanut butter sandwich ,peanut butter crackers, also always keep orange juice around and glucose tablets Sugary things like candy are ok for a quick fix but may cause the BS levels to elevate too slowly because of the fat content. So I prefer protein. After about 30 minutes you will start feeling better.Sometimes low BS reactions are not real bad but the instant you start feeling these symptoms start treating them don’t wait !. Eating a balanced diet still may cause a Low BS reaction especially if there has been any ajustments made to your medications Monitor monitor monitor I cannot stress that enough, low BS attacks are scary and are far from fun a diabetic knows more than any one about what this feels like and we know what we have to do about it . Treat it immediately.

I hear contradicting opinions about this (even from doctors).Do you have any experience proving that people with diabetes type 2 can actually include honey in their diet?

Yes you can eat honey my mom uses honey to sweeten her coffee and she’s Diabetic. You have to watch your carb intake.

I currently am writing an article about diabetes. I have been searching and reading many evidence-based articles. However, I’d like to hear your own opinion on diabetes type 2.

As you probably know heredity, plays a big roll.

For diet, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and poultry, Stay away from the white stuff, white bread, potato’s, sugar, white rice etc. Eat as little processed food as possible . All carbs are not created equal a white potato and a sweet potato have the same carbs but metabolize differently, check out the Glycemic Index on foods it will give you more info. Exercise, weight is a big part of it also. If it runs in your family, I don’t know if you can prevent it, but maybe you can delay it. The closer to nature the food is the better. Read labels and don’t go by net carbs unless your on Adkins. STAY AWAY FROM JUNK FOOD! I hope this helps.