Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes leads to a high level of blood sugar (glucose), which happens when the human body is unable to produce enough hormone called insulin that helps to control the body’s glucose level.
Often, people with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day in order to maintain or control their blood glucose levels. Managing type 1 diabetes might require an extended period, but you can still carry on with your regular activities. Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes is not due to age or being overweight (obesity).
Type 1 diabetes in children
There are chances for a child to develop type 1 diabetes, where a pediatrician will look after and take care of their diabetes until they turn 17 or 18. The care team will help g and manage children’s diabetes by injecting insulin, testing blood sugar levels, and their regular diet.
The care team will advise on nursery and school and help to educate or talk to children’s teachers and carers. The child may have appointments every week or two at the early stage of diabetes, but later, there might be appointments every three months.
Type 1 diabetes symptoms
The type 1 diabetes symptoms are:
- Feeling dehydrated or very thirsty
- Urinating more often, specifically at nights
- Frequently feeling tired
- Abrupt or unintentional weight loss
- Thrush that keeps coming back
- Blurred vision
- Grazes and cuts that are not healing as faster
- Fruity-smelling breath
Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly, particularly among children.
Type 1 diabetes diagnosis
The doctor will require the urine sample to test and check for blood glucose (sugar) levels. If the results are positive, they will suggest further assessments straight away.
The nurses will help you to manage your own things moving forward, such as testing for blood sugar levels or injecting insulin.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022