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Type 1 diabetes, which is sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes, usually occurs in children and young adults. It is different from type 2 diabetes, which is associated with older adult and weight gain. A person with type 1 diabetes does not produce enough of the hormone insulin in their bodies. The body needs insulin to convert glucose, or sugar, into energy.

Type 1 diabetes manifests itself in a number of ways. Parents usually realize something is wrong when a combination of seemingly benign symptoms happens. Two common symptoms that often work in conjunction with one another are frequent urination and abnormal thirst. This is a signal that the kidneys are working overtime to get rid of the excess glucose.

Another symptom that something is wrong is when a child, despite a healthy appetite, either fails to gain weight or losses weight. This is a signal that the body is breaking down muscle and fat in order to feed the hungry cells. Lack of energy completes the list of symptoms that occur in the young body. This is the one that generally causes light bulbs to flicker in parents' heads. Often, the child may not wake up despite parental efforts to rouse them.

Unlike the other form of diabetes that individuals get as adults, it is hard to say how a person gets type I diabetes. Genetics seems to be one of the determining factors for getting this disorder. Another hypothesis is that in early childhood, the youngster contracts some kind of virus that opened them up to diabetes. However, contracting this disorder does not doom a person; most people live long lives if they follow a number of instructions.

Individual with type 1 diabetes must monitor their condition vigilantly. Like individuals with type 2 diabetes, they should check their blood sugar throughout the day before and after they eat and when they are about to engage in some kind of activity. This is necessary because type 1 diabetes can lead to hypoglycemialow blood sugar or hyperglycemiahigh blood sugar.

Type 1 diabetes should also make sure to keep up with their daily insulin injections. Since this disorder primarily affects the young, it is sometimes hard to maintain this regimen because of not wanting to be different from their peers. However, this can be the difference between having a properly functioning body and eventually being debilitated by the disease.

As with any medical condition, diet and exercise can be the most important factor in determining the eventual outcome. Because of the weakened system, individuals can develop heart disease. Type 1 diabetics must eat a balanced diet, low in starchy foods. This is hard for young people who may want to indulge in junk food, but it could mean life or death. Moderate exercise also helps strengthen the heart and control blood sugar.

Type 1 diabetes is not a death sentence if the sufferer takes control of it and does not allow it to get the best of them.

Learn more about this author, Cicely Richard.
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