Type 1 Diabetes

I had never heard of diabetes until I met my now deceased ex partner, he had type 1 and was diagnosed at age 10. The reason I am writing this is to try and bring awareness so that people can identify the eary signs and know when to visit a GP. Knowing the early signs can save lives! and a simple urine test can diagnose. I am a nurse.

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas no longer produces insulin a hormone needed to convert glucose (sugar) into energy so that it can be used by our cells for normal function of the body.

Once we have eaten, the glucose within our blood is then used by our cells for energy, it is insulin that holds the key in order for our cells to be able to do this.

Imagine a corridor with doors on either side. Now fill that corridor with people. The doors represent our cells and the people represent the glucose. In order for the glucose to get inside the cell they need insulin which represents the key. Without insulin the cells can't use the glucose so instead it builds up in the blood stream.

Our body needs glucose to survive but too much can be toxic and life threatening especially to a child who's diabetes has not yet been diagnosed.

Too much Glucose causes damage to the inner lining of the blood vessels and since they supply our organs they too can also become affected. This is especially the case for the brain, kidneys, eyes and the heart. If left it can be fatal.

Some children have passed away or ended up in a coma because GP's have in the past sent children home with antibiotics thinking it was a bug. This is why I feel parents would benefit knowing the early signs and what to look out for.

So what are the signs and symptoms:

1. Frequent urination - like alcohol the body also tries to do the same with too much sugar. The child will be at the bathroom frequently, their urine will be extremely sticky and smell sweet.

2. Increased appetite - The child will have a hunger that no matter how much they eat they are still hungry, or they eat and are full but not for long before they are hungry again.

3. Unexplained weightloss - Even though appetite increases the child will begin to loose weight rapidly.

4. Fatigue - The child will be extremely tired wanting to sleep or lay down most of the time, decrease in energy levels and increased need to sleep.

5. Increased thirst - The child will be very thirsty and no matter how much they drink the feeling of thirst will soon come back even if they have just drank liquids.

6. Behavioral changes - The child may start to act out of character, aggression is often noticed in children when they are not normally aggressive.

7. Blurred vision - The child may complain that they can't see properly and may rub their eyes a lot to try and help themselves.

8. Sweet breath - it has been noted that there is a pear drop like smell that comes off the child's breath.

All these are early signs of Type 1 Diabetes. Knowing the early signs can make a huge difference. I really do hope this article helps someone somewhere who may be going through this type of thing.

Anyone who has a child that is newly diagnosed ask your local diabetic centre to sign post you for some support websites, this is a difficult time and its important you are supported.

This article was written in the memory of my sons dad who passed away in 2014 due to complications of this disease he was 32 years old and will be sadly missed.

My ex died because he drank too much alcohol and did not take his dose of insulin, he died in a hotel room on his own. His death was caused by his blood being depleted of glucose. Too little can be fatal and so can too much its finding that balance, always do self-care with diabetes its not a disease to be messed about with.

I hope everyone is well stay blessed my friends.