When you are the parent of a child who has an incurable autoimmune disease, like type 1 diabetes, you never stop worrying about them. No matter how old or independent they become. It is just par for the course. Our oldest was diagnosed in 2014 with type 1, right before his 14th birthday. And, while 99% of the time he is just fine, managing his disease, supplies, insulin, sugars and body with grace and maturity… there are those times when it can get “squirrely” for better lack of terms. Stress, anxiety, food and sickness all play a role in his body’s ability to regulate his sugars. As hard as it is for him to manage this, as a 21-year-old college student, it is even harder for me to witness, knowing all I can do is guide him the best way I know how to stay healthy and vigilant. He is an adult after all.
I have shared his story many times, for healing, but more importantly to educate other families, like yours, on what the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes are so that if you have a loved one, like we did, who gets sick with common ailments like headaches, sleepiness, dehydration, extra thirst, you have time to act fast, and get to a doctor or hospital before it is to late. While T1D is incurable, it is manageable, and knowing the signs and symptoms early on can be the difference between life and death.
Warning Signs of Type 1 Diabetes
According to JDRF, T1D is identified in children and adults as they show signs of the following symptoms:
• Frequent Urination
• Extreme Thirst
• Dry Mouth
• Fatigue and Weakness
• Increased Appetite
• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Slow-Healing Cuts
If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms, please see your doctor right away! Without proper diagnosis and treatment, type 1 diabetes can be fatal.