Brittle Diabetes what does that actually mean?  There is so much diabetes information to be found and it can be overwhelming to a newly diagnosed patient.  By breaking it down into sections, this should make it easier to understand.

Within the next few paragraphs we are going to discuss what is Brittle Diabetes (also known as Labile Diabetes), what are the symptoms, what causes this rare type of diabetes and hopefully provide you with overall useful information.

What are the signs of brittle Diabetes?

Being a form of Type 1 diabetes (also known as Juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes), patient that suffer with Brittle diabetes have a very challenging time trying to keep their glucose levels stable and within a healthy range.  A management strategy is to carefully follow a diet of low glycemic foods such as berries, lean meats, legumes and low starch vegetables are recommended foods.

Brittle diabetes patients only make up 1% approximately 3 in every 1,000 of all the people that suffer with diabetes type 1; making this a dangerous and rare type of diabetes.  Upon the slightest deviation from exercise, insulin use and meals – blood sugar levels in a brittle diabetes patient will greatly fluctuate (from low to high and opposite) without warning.

Besides the quick and large swings of your glucose levels and the fact that raised blood sugar levels will show up in both urine and blood test; other symptoms are common to most types of diabetes.  Frequent urination, excess thirst, unclear vision and inability to focus visually are some of these symptoms.

Knowing the cause of this disease is something we all want to know, but there is nothing definite.  There has been research and it shows that an imbalance or malfunction of the hormones, high stress levels, depression or gastrointestinal absorption issues might increase the chances.

Treatment for brittle diabetes:

Treatment will usually require a hospital stay (sometimes more than 2 weeks at a time).  During this stay at the hospital, your blood sugar levels will be monitored very carefully and it is more than likely that a psychologist will be part of your medical team to help you deal with, reduce and hopefully eliminate any mental issues that are causing depression or stress in your life.  People that experience swings in their blood sugar are usually victims of large mood swings also.

Because of the rarity, this type of diabetes is often ignored and misdiagnosed.  A small number of women and men later in life may be diagnosed with Brittle diabetes; but the majority of people affected are women between 15 and 30 years old.

Although this is type of diabetes is rare and has been known to be extremely difficult to control; a strict diet, an attentive and knowledgeable medical team and a positive attitude and outlook on life in general is your best weapons against Brittle Diabetes.