Type 1 or Juvenile Diabetes is a non-preventable, autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. It is the most severe form of diabetes, striking infants, children and young adults, leaving them insulin-dependent for life. Diabetics cannot survive without daily injections of insulin.
Signs and Symptoms:
Warning signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes includes:
- extreme thirst
- frequent urination
- sudden vision changes
- fruity, sweet or wine-like odour on breath
- increased appetite
- sudden weight loss
- drowsiness, lethargy
- heavy, laboured breathing
- stupor, unconsciousness
Over 200,000 Canadians live with Type 1 diabetes. It is a leading cause of life-threatening and debilitating complications, such as blindness, end-stage kidney disease, nerve damage, heart attack, stroke, amputation and even death. It is estimated that the incidence of Type 1 diabetes is increasing by 3 to 5 percent per year.
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin that is produced. Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adulthood, although increasing numbers of children in high-risk populations are being diagnosed. This type of diabetes is preventable. Lifestyle is a major contributor to this diagnosis.
Gestational Diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. It affects approximately 3.5 per cent of all pregnancies and involves an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child.