The definition of type 1 diabetes: Diabetes is a disease that causes an abnormally high level of sugar, or glucose, to build up in the blood. Type 1 diabetes — previously labeled insulin-dependent, or juvenile diabetes — is caused by the destruction of cells in the pancreas (an organ located just behind the stomach) that produce the hormone insulin.
In layman’s terms, something happens to the pancreas and it then stops producing insulin. Insulin is the hormone needed to convert glucose into energy.
Popular symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:
Extreme thirst – really extreme, just before Jacques was diagnosed he literally only wanted to drink, at night he would sleep for 30 minutes and then wake up to drink again.
Weeing a lot: again, a lot is an understatement! I had to change his nappy every hour, it seemed as if the water was coming out as fast as he was putting it in.
I would definitely say that those two symptoms are major warning signs, if you or a loved one experience this, take action! Get to a medical professional for a blood glucose test.
Filed under: Definitions | Tagged: blood glucose, definition, diabetes, symptoms, thirst, type 1
