Type 1s often present in a state of DKA or diabetic ketoacidosis when diagnosed. There usually is weightloss, extreme thirst, frequent urination, exhaustion, and ketones in the urine (hence the word ketoacidosis). Many times, by the time they are diagnosed blood sugar levels are very, very high. Mine was in the 600 range
It can be very dangerous when that happens and is very hard on the body too. The food that has been taking in( eaten) has not been able to enter the cells of the body and though the body tries to rid them through frequent urination, it cannot successfully bring sugar down to normal levels w/o insulin. That is the key. For one reason or another, insulin is not made anymore and w/o it sugar levels climb. That's why Type 1's are dependent on insulin to live. There is no other way about it, unfortuantely. I'm sure you know what happens when sugar levels stay too elevated for long periods of time...a diabetic could face a whole lot of complications.
Type 2's often do exhibit similar symptoms, but many times they still produce insulin. It's just that their bodies do not utilize the insulin as it should which also results to blood sugar being elevated. Some type 2s have a treatment plan of diet and exercise alone, some include meds, and some have to use insulin. I must state that a Type 2 cannot become Type 1. They might have to be treated with insulin, but that does not make them type 1. Also, type 1's may need meds as well as iinsulin, but that does not make them type 2 either. It's just something they need in their management of the disease. I know that can be confusing, but just b/c you use insulin or take meds doesn't classify you as a Type 1 or Type 2.
I'm sorry if I have over simplified or repeated anything you already know, but I hope that this helps a little. Don't ever feel stupid about asking questions, that's how we learn. I know it's cliche, :p, but there are no stupid questions
As for Diabetes web sites, have you checked out www.diabetes.org. It has a lot of good info there. Also, www.childrenwithdiabetes.org. It's called children with diabetes, but it is a great website for everyone. it's got a section called "Ask the Diabetes Team" that really is helpful. They answer a lot of questions regarding Diabetes quite often and it's worth checking oujt.
Good luck and please feel free to ask your questions anytime.
