Brittle Diabetes - What Are The Risk Factors?

Brittle diabetes is a rare, acute form of diabetes, which causes drastic fluctuations in one’s blood glucose levels. The National Institute of Health states that a tiny proportion of people with Type 1 diabetes encounter the frequent fluctuations in their blood sugar levels – described as ‘brittle’. The condition affects 0.3% of insulin-dependent diabetics.

Those who have brittle diabetes often experience drastic fluctuations in their blood sugar levels at a rapid pace.

Factors that Put You at Risk

A number of factors are likely to increase your chances of developing brittle diabetes. Here is a look at them –

• Type 1 diabetes – a chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin
• Being overweight or obese – if you have BMI equal to or greater than 25
• Gender – women are prone to brittle diabetes
• Age – the condition is mostly seen in people aged between 15 years and 30 years
• Stress and depression
• Unhealthy eating habits
• Usage of certain drugs and medications
• Problems with insulin absorption
• Hormonal malfunction
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Hypothyroidism
• Problems with gastrointestinal absorption – Celiac disease, gastroparesis, and others

Signs to Watch Out for

Symptoms of brittle diabetes show up without a warning and tend to change with the drastic swings in blood sugar levels.

Extremely low blood glucose levels are accompanied by signs like –

• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Extreme hunger
• Double vision
• Trembling hands
• Difficulty sleeping
• Severe headaches

Signs of extremely high blood sugar levels include –

• Dry skin
• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Increased urination and thirst

Brittle diabetes can be managed with medications, dietary and lifestyle changes. The goal is to balance one’s blood sugar levels and keep it in check.

In any case, it is important that you consult a doctor and get yourself diagnosed for brittle diabetes if you already have Type 1 diabetes. He/she will plan the best treatment method for you, keeping the causes and symptoms in mind.