Health's Book

Definition

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to properly control blood sugar levels.

See also:

* Diabetes
* Gestational diabetes
* Type 2 diabetes

Symptoms

Some people will have no symptoms before they are diagnosed with diabetes.

Others may notice these symptoms as the first signs of type 1 diabetes, or when the blood sugar is high:

* Feeling tired or fatigued
* Feeling hungry
* Being very thirsty
* Urinating more often
* Losing weight without trying
* Having blurry eyesight
* Losing the feeling or feeling tingling in your feet

For others, warning symptoms that they are becoming very sick may be the first signs of type 1 diabetes, or may happen when the blood sugar is very high (see: diabetic ketoacidosis):

* Deep, rapid breathing
* Dry skin and mouth
* Flushed face
* Fruity breath odor
* Nausea or vomiting, unable to keep down fluids
* Stomach pain

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can develop quickly in people with diabetes who are taking insulin. Symptoms typically appear when the blood sugar level falls below 70. Watch for:

* Headache
* Hunger
* Nervousness
* Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
* Shaking
* Sweating
* Weakness