A life-changing illness diagnosis: one woman’s journey with type 1 diabetes
In a poignant account, a woman shares her experience of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of nine, highlighting the rapid onset of symptoms and the challenges of managing the condition on a daily basis.
Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition that affects the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, results in a complete lack of insulin production. While the exact cause remains unknown, individuals with a family history may face a slightly increased risk. Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes often presents with symptoms that escalate quickly, including fatigue, weight loss, irritability, blurred vision, and heightened thirst and hunger.
The woman, who was naturally lean as a child, recalls her gradual weight loss becoming more noticeable leading up to her diagnosis and hospitalisation. Despite being an active child, feeling constantly tired and thirsty was a pivotal symptom. She vividly remembers waking up frequently at night to urinate and quench her insatiable thirst, a common indicator of high blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes.
After weeks of escalating symptoms, a visit to the GP and a random blood sugar test confirmed her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. From that point on, she embarked on a lifelong journey of managing the condition, including administering insulin injections multiple times a day and vigilantly monitoring her blood sugar levels.
The initial days post-diagnosis were a whirlwind of hospital admissions, tests, and learning to navigate a new routine of insulin injections and dietary adjustments. As she grew older, she learned to manage hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar levels, by planning snacks to maintain balance while participating in sports and physical activities.
Nearly two decades later, advancements in technology, such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), have revolutionised her management of the condition. The CGM device, which measures blood sugar levels continuously, has provided her with improved control and insights into patterns of her condition.
The woman now injects insulin around 10 times a day and has honed her ability to recognise the signs of low and high blood sugar levels, ensuring she maintains optimal control of her condition on a day-to-day basis.
For individuals who suspect they or someone they know may have type 1 diabetes, it is crucial to be vigilant of the ‘4Ts’ symptoms: frequent urination, unquenchable thirst, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Seeking immediate medical attention is essential for timely diagnosis and management of the condition.
Long-term complications of uncontrolled type 1 diabetes can include heart disease, vision problems, nerve damage, kidney issues, circulation problems, foot complications, and gum disease. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels through vigilant management and medical support is paramount in mitigating these risks.
The woman’s story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination required to navigate life with a chronic illness like type 1 diabetes, highlighting the importance of early detection, proactive management, and ongoing support for individuals living with the condition.