Nov 17 2008
Warning Signs For Type 1 Diabetes
Knowing the warning signs for type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes) could save a life.
• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Drowsiness, lethargy
• Sugar in urine
• Sudden vision changes
• Increased appetite
• Sudden weight loss
• Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath
• Heavy, labored breathing
• Stupor, unconsciousness
If you or someone you love exhibits one or more of these symptoms, call a doctor immediately.
Education about the symptoms of type 1 diabetes is critical because type 1 can easily be mistaken for more common illnesses, such as the flu. JDRF has literature which lists the symptoms and treatments of type 1 diabetes and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)–available for download here.
Each year, approximately 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes; over 15,000 are children. That’s 35 children each and every day, approximately 1 child per hour.
Misdiagnosis can have tragic consequences, as the story of the Futrell family of Michigan sadly confirms. Knowing the warning signs of type 1 diabetes can save a life. Please share what you’ve learned with everyone–family, friends, teachers, doctors. Until a cure is found, the more who know, the more lives will be saved
Please help JDRF raise awareness about the warning signs of type 1 diabetes–a chronic, debilitating autoimmune disease that is most often diagnosed before the age of 30. As with many diseases, early diagnosis goes a long way toward preventing serious health problems, and even death.
