Information Saves Lives

As type 1 diabetes intrudes on the daily life of my family, I am compelled to learn as much as I can about it and share with others the beneficial information that I obtain.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is usually diagnosed for a person ranging in age from infancy to late 30s, but the disease can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a pancreas that produces little to no insulin, with the body’s immune system destroying the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Individuals who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have to manage their diet and exercise habits, as well as inject insulin several times daily.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition, but can be managed with proper medical care. It is important for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels several times a day, usually before or after meals. Blood sugar or glucose levels are the amount of glucose present in a person’s blood. Glucose is a chief source of energy for cells in the body and is converted into by the carbohydrates that we eat, such as fruit, cereal, bread, pasta, and rice. Regularly checking blood sugar or glucose levels is a major component of diabetes care. A normal blood sugar range is between 70 and 120 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

The warning signs for type 1 diabetes should be taken seriously and medical attention should be sought if one experiences the following symptoms:

·         Extreme thirst

·         Frequent urination

·         Drowsiness and lethargy

·         Sugar in urine

·         Sudden vision changes

·         Increased appetite

·         Sudden weight loss

·         Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath

·         Heavy, labored breathing

·         Stupor or unconsciousness

                                                 JDRF.org

As my eleven-year-old son continues to live with type 1 diabetes, I continue to learn about it. I hope this information is useful and can help someone out there who is battling with this chronic illness.