Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms, Treatment And What To Eat If You're Diagnosed

Everything You Need To Know About Type 1 Diabetes
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Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing any insulin. This means that the glucose levels in the blood become too high, because the body cannot use it properly.

Unfortunately, because it is an immune problem which can be triggered by various factors such as the environment and viruses, it is not possible to prevent Type 1 diabetes.

Symptoms usually develop very quickly and include: feeling incredibly thirsty, urinating more than usual (especially at nighttime), feeling tired and losing weight.

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Type 1 diabetes is the most common type of childhood diabetes, according to Diabetes UK. However it can also develop in adults, usually before they hit 40.

"The only way to treat it is to take insulin daily – through an injection or a pump you wear all the time," Libby Dowling, clinical advisor at Diabetes UK, previously told HuffPost UK Lifestyle.

"Once you have it, you have it for life."

Dr Paul Zollinger-Read, chief medical officer for Bupa, highlights the importance of a quick diagnosis.

"High glucose levels can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs. This is why, if you have Type 1 diabetes, you need to look after your health very carefully.

"We should all try to eat healthily, exercise regularly and not smoke or drink too much alcohol. But for those with Type 1 diabetes, making healthy lifestyle choices is even more important."

1) Eat three meals a day to help keep your blood glucose levels in check.

2) At each meal include starchy carbohydrate foods such as bread, pasta, chapatis, potatoes, noodles, rice and cereals.

3) Cut down on the fat you eat, particularly saturated fats, as a low fat diet benefits health.

4) Eat more fruit and vegetables.

5) Include more beans and lentils in your diet.

6) Aim for at least two portions of oily fish a week.

7) Limit sugar and sugary foods.

8) Reduce salt intake to 6g or less a day.

9) Drink alcohol in moderation.

10) Don’t use diabetic foods or drinks.

Diabetes Warning Signs
1. Increased Urination(01 of24)
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Visiting the bathroom more than usual? It could be a sign that you're diabetic. The reason this happens, according to the Mayo Clinic, is that excess sugar building up in your tissues forces your kidneys to work harder to flush it out. If the kidneys get overloaded, that sugar is excreted from your body along with more water. (credit:Getty)
2. Excessive Thirst(02 of24)
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Frequent urination is also likely to leave you pretty dehydrated. (credit:Getty)
3. Persistent Hunger, Even After A Meal(03 of24)
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When your body can't produce insulin or use it properly, it can't absorb the energy it needs from your food, according to EndocrineWeb. (credit:Getty)
3. Unexplained Weight Loss(04 of24)
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You may be eating more because you're hungry, but you're still losing weight. What's with that? Since your body can't get its energy from food, it begins to break down your muscle and fat instead. While this symptom is commonly associated with Type 1 diabetes, those who are diagnosed with Type 2 can experience it as well. (credit:Getty)
6. Tingling, Pain Or Numbness In Hands Or Feet(05 of24)
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When your blood glucose levels are out of whack, it can damage the nerves in your extremities. This condition is called diabetic neuropathy, and the most common places to be affected are hands and feet, according to Diabetes.ca. Symptoms include throbbing, numbness, sharp pain and a burning sensation. Over time, the nerve damage can cause foot ulcers. Small cuts or blisters may also go unnoticed and lead to infection. (credit:Getty)
4. Erectile Dysfunction(06 of24)
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High blood sugar levels can also damage the nerves and blood flow to the penis, according to BetterHealth.vic.gov.au. (credit:Getty)
7. Blurred Vision(07 of24)
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Having some difficulty seeing? High or fluctuating blood sugar levels can lead to vision problems because your eye's lens can't change shape when there is too much sugar and water in it, according to the U.S. National Institute of Health. (credit:Getty)
7. Fatigue(08 of24)
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Suddenly really sleepy, even though you've been catching eight hours a night? The dehydration, hunger and weight loss that diabetes can cause really takes a toll on your body, according to EverydayHealth. (credit:Getty)
9. Hearing Loss(09 of24)
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Do you often think others are mumbling or need to turn up the volume? The relationship between hearing loss and diabetes has not been firmly established, but one study found that it's twice as common in those who have diabetes than those that don't. One theory is that high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the inner ear. (credit:Getty)
10. Darker Skin Around Your Neck, Underarms Or Groin(10 of24)
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Notice dark, velvety patches around your armpits or neck? A symptom of Type 2 diabetes, these patches of dark skin, called acanthosis nigricans, can be a sign of insulin resistance. (credit:Getty)
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