Type I diabetes is a form of diabetes that affects children, adolescents and adults. With this type of diabetes, the pancreas loses the ability to produce insulin because the immune system attacks and destroys the cells responsible for making insulin. When the immune system takes this action against the insulin-producing cells, they will no longer have the capability to create insulin for the rest of the diabetic’s life.

Signs and symptoms for type I diabetes can develop quickly over a period of weeks and can manifest in no particular order. Symptoms consist of:

· Increased thirst and frequent urination

· Extreme hunger

· Weight loss

· Fatigue

· Unusual behavior and irritability

· Blurred vision

· Yeast infections in females

Increased thirst and frequent urination is caused by the rise of blood sugar in the blood stream. At this point, the body requires additional fluids so that the kidneys can flush out extra glucose in the system thus causing them to drink and urinate more than usual.

Extreme hunger is caused by the lack of insulin as well as the body’s inability to move glucose from the blood stream to the cells. Without this process the muscles in the individual’s body becomes energy depleted, causing the sensation of hunger. With the excess amount of food being ingested and the lack of insulin to remove the glucose from the blood stream, the individual will drink more water to remove excess amount of sugar in the blood stream.

Despite the individual’s hunger and food intake, weight loss will occur at a fast rate. Due to the lack of glucose, the body seeks the energy needed to function from muscle tissue and fat stores. Sudden and increased weight loss as well as changes in body size, (due to muscle loss), are the first noticeable symptoms for type I diabetes.

Other symptoms include extreme tiredness and lethargy. These symptoms are more noticeable in individuals that are usually active and full of energy. The lack of glucose will cause fatigue because of muscles and other tissues are being deprived of the glucose needed to create energy.

Yet other signs and symptoms may or may not be prevalent when there are increases of glucose may consist of: irritability, unusual behavior, blurred vision, and yeast infections in females. It is important to consult a physician when experiencing signs and symptoms of diabetes as to avoid ketones. The development of ketones results from the burning of fat as opposed to fuel. This occurs with the continued increased levels of glucose. Ketones may cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and may also cause sweet smelling breath due to the concentration of glucose. If left untreated, unconsciousness may occur.

Type I diabetes may lead to heart disease or stroke, as well as: kidney damage, vision impairment, gum issues, and nerve or blood vessel damage. Diabetes may manifest at any point in life and is not limited to children, adolescence, or adults.