An individual with type 1 diabetes could not produce enough insulin. Due to the lack of insulin, the blood sugar could not be used by body cells for energy. As a result, the blood sugar rises and sugar overflows to the kidneys into the urine.
Once sugar enters the urine, water is drawn from all over the body to move out with the sugar. This results to the classic initial signs of diabetes.
Close look on the signs of type 1 diabetes
Frequent passing of urine
This occurs since the blood sugar levels are elevated and once sugar moves via the kidneys, water is required to carry the sugar into the urine. This results to dehydration as water is pulled out from the body and urinated. It is important to note that diabetes is the only ailment where the individual is dehydrated yet frequently urinates.
Dehydration and increased thirst
The indications of dehydration generally include sticky or dry mouth, dry skin, fatigue, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness and reduced or lack of tears when crying.
The individual might drink large amounts of liquids to make up for the water that was lost from the frequent passing of urine.
Weight fluctuations
Remember that weight loss can occur if the body could not get enough sugar into the cells. The body burns the fat stores and protein for energy, thus resulting to weight loss.
Dehydration is also a contributing factor to weight loss. Alternatively, some have increased hunger. This occurs since the body could not utilize the food it takes in and becomes hungry for the energy it is not getting.
Reduced appetite
It is sad to note that children diagnosed with diabetes also have diabetic ketoacidosis. The presence of the ketones can cause an upset stomach, thus reducing the appetite. The child might experience vomiting and have a breath with sweet odor.