Type 1 Diabetes (also referred to as Juvenile Diabetes) is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas is attacked by the body's immune system causing the body to stop producing its own insulin. Without insulin, T1 diabetics will die. So insulin must be injected into the body before eating carbohydrates and when a higher than desired blood sugar level is present.
Even with careful blood sugar checks, insulin administration etc. Type 1 Diabetics can have a hard time keeping their blood sugars within range.
Too LOW a level causes symptoms like:
Sweating,
Nervousness,
shakiness,
weakness.
Extreme hunger along with slight nausea.
Dizziness and headache.
Blurred vision.
A fast heartbeat and feeling anxious.
that can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage and death.
Too HIGH of a level causes symptoms that can quickly include: excessive hunger, thirst and urination, mood changes, fatigue and can lead to the need for medical intervention before the blood becomes too acidic from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
DKA symptoms are: Flushed, hot, dry skin
Blurred vision
Feeling thirsty and urinating a lot.
Drowsiness or difficulty waking up. ...
Rapid, deep breathing.
A strong, fruity breath odor.
Loss of appetite, belly pain, and vomiting.
Confusion.
DKA is very uncomfortable to experience and may quickly lead to death without medical intervention.
Long term complications can develop such as: increased heart attack risk, eye problems, including blindness, nerve pain, infections on the skin, especially the feet, that could require amputation in serious cases, kidney damage, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and death.