iabetes it is often the result of too little food, too much exercise, or too much insulin. The physical symptoms of hypoglycemia include irritability, headache, nausea, hunger, weakness, and confusion. Insulin reactions often come on suddenly and are dangerous, since an individual in this condition can slip into unconsciousness. To counteract hypoglycemia the person should take some milk, orange juice, about two packets of sugar, honey, or a sugared soft drink. In some cases after beginning insulin shots, a person with Type I diabetes will go out into remission. During this period, the individual’s pancreas once again secretes insulin and the patient’s need for the daily shots disappear. In these instances, the blood sugar level (the amount of sugar in the person’s bloodstream) stays with in the normal range. Such individuals may feel as though they no longer have the disease, but this isn’t so. In fact, this stage of Type I diabetes is sometimes referred to as the “honeymoon period, ” because it doesn’t last. At any time, without warning, the individual’s blood sugar level may rise, leaving the person in dire need of insulin. People who have Type I diabetes must also monitor their blood sugar, or glucose levels. This is necessary since the outside factors such as excitement, infection, growth periods, hormonal changes, fatigue, and alcohol and other drugs can upset the necessary balance. Without monitoring, the individual will not know there’s a problem before physical symptoms appear. In recent years, easy-to-use test have been developed to enable people with diabetes to monitor their own blood sugar at home or anywhere else they happen to be. Self blood-glucose monitoring is an extremely valuable tool for those with diabetes since their blood sugar levels often quickly change. Many teenagers with diabetes find it especially helpful as it allows them to continue their activities un...
