Monday, November 12, 2007

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and is commonly known at juvenile diabetes. In this type of diabetes which is considered chronic (lifelong) disease, the body does not produce insulin which is needed to convert glucose, starches and other food into energy that we need.

Other name for type 1 diabetes is Insulin-dependent Diabetes and Juvenile Onset Diabetes.

Type 1 is an autoimmune disease of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Scientists believe that it may be a virus that triggers the immune system to attack the cells and permanently destroy them. The pancreas can no longer make the insulin necessary to transport sugar from the blood into the other cells of the body for energy. Sugar builds up in the blood and over time can damage internal organs and blood vessels.

Conditions and Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes

Basic Therapies
  • Healthy Eating
  • Physical Activity or Exercise
  • Insulin Injection
The Amount of insulin taken must be balanced with food intake and daily activities. Blood glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood glucose testing.

Complications - having type 1 diabetes increases the risk for many serious complications like heart disease, blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage.

Recently diagnosed with type 1? What does this mean to the person who is diagnosed? Someone who has Type 1 diabetes must take insulin everyday to survive. It becomes a delicate balance fo finding the right amount of insulin necessary to keep the blood sugar level as close to normal as possible. You need to check your blood sugar levels often and then inject the correct amount of insulin to counteract the amount of sugar. This mimics the action of the pancreas.

Warning signs for Type 1

This can be an overwhelming process for the newly diagnosed person, type 1 diabetes typically strikes children and young adults, although adults age 40 and older can also get type 1. The onset of the disease happens quickly.

As the insulin stops being produced and the blood sugar rises, this causes hyperglycemia. Several warning signs appear:
  • increased thirst
  • increased urination
  • fatigue
  • weight loss despite increase in appetite
  • blurred vision
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • absense of menstruation

Get Routine Care - visit your doctor regularly.

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