Signs of Type 1

Saturday September 15, 2012, a day we remember like it was yesterday. It was the day Will was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. The week of September 10 was a week of little sleep and a lot of worry.  Will was very restless at night and waking up multiple times asking for water.  However, he wasn't just taking a sip and going back to bed, he was chugging cups of water through out the night and then wetting the bed (something he hadn't done in a long time).

Naturally, this was concerning to us, since we were aware of the signs of Type 1.  On Friday September 15, Will's urine was checked for glucose and ketones, both came back positive.  On Saturday September 16, we were ordered to take Will in to the medical lab for stat blood work, only to come back that Will's blood sugar was over 700 ml/dl (normal is 70-120 give or take). 

So, off to the University of Maryland Medical Center we went for a lovely three day stay.  In those three days Jeff and I were given a crash course on how to care for Will.  We were taught the importance of counting carbohydrates, checking blood sugar at least ten times per day, knowing the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and most importantly learning how to calculate the correct amount of insulin to keep Will alive.

Fortunately, we knew the signs of Type 1 Diabetes so Will never went into DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis), which could eventually lead to a coma or worse, death.  Please take a look below at the signs of Type 1, it can get ugly really quick and is often mistaken for the flu, a stomach bug or other sickness, hot weather, and growth spurts.

Signs of Type 1

• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fruity odor on breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sudden weight loss
• Drowsiness, lethargy
• Increased appetite
• Heavy, labored breathing
• Sudden vision changes
• Stupor unconsciousness



In my mind, it was the least I could do for Will...a cure is needed!