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Signs & Symptoms of Insulin Dependent Diabetes

Insulin-dependent diabetes, also called Type 1 or juvenile diabetes, can develop anytime, but generally occurs in children or young adults. According to the National Institutes of Health, insulin-dependent diabetes occurs because the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. Beta cells in the pancreas produce insulin. With Type 1 diabetes, they produce little to no insulin. After five to 10 years, the pancreas can no longer produce insulin.

  1. Digestive Symptoms

    • Insulin-dependent diabetes causes excessive thirst and hunger. According to the Dr. Alan Greene, a pediatrician and health expert, on his website: "Without sugar in the cells, muscle and fat begin to be burned for fuel...The person feels hungry all the time, but loses weight in spite of increased eating. The person is literally starving."
      Excessive thirst is most likely caused by dry mouth, which is common in Type 1 diabetes.
      The NIH reports that nausea, vomiting and stomach pain are also caused by insulin dependent diabetes.

    Cardiovascular Symptoms

    • Low blood sugar sometimes occurs with insulin-dependent diabetes. When blood sugar is low, nervousness and rapid heartbeat may occur. Shaking, sweating and feeling weak can also indicate low blood sugar.

    General Health Symptoms

    • Insulin-dependent diabetes affects almost all body systems, which results in a wide variety of general symptoms that may be mistaken for other health conditions. Headache, sweating, rapid breathing and dry skin are among the more ambiguous symptoms.
      Dr. Alan Greene also notes that recurring or frequent yeast infections, especially in children who are potty trained, are common in individuals with Type 1 diabetes.

    Severe Symptoms

    • According to the NIH, some symptoms require immediate medical attention. These symptoms may indicate that the individual is experiencing ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal condition. The NIH reports that the following symptoms are probably signs of ketoacidosis: deep and rapid breathing, extreme thirst and frequent urination, severe nausea and vomiting, inability to drink liquids or eat, sweet-smelling breath, shortness of breath, confusion and severe abdominal pain. Urine tests can determine if high glucose or ketone levels are present, which is indicative of ketoacidosis.

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