Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroyed the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.Type 1 diabetes may sometimes be referred to as juvenile diabetes.
Insulin-dependent diabetes is another term that may sometimes be used to describe type 1 diabetes.
Causes of Type 1 Diabetes
The body’s immune system is able for fighting off foreign attackers, like serious viruses and bacteria. In somebody with type 1 diabetes, the immune system misinterprets the body’s own healthy cells for foreign invaders. The immune system charges and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Following these beta cells are destroyed, the body is inadequate to produce insulin.
Researchers don’t understand why the immune system attacks the body’s own cells. It may have something to do including genetic and environmental agents, like exposure to viruses. Research is continuing.
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes symptoms can seem comparatively suddenly and may incorporate:
- Increased thirst
- Excessive hunger
- Frequent urination
- Bed-wetting in children who before didn’t wet the bed during the night
- weight loss
- Anger and other mood changes
- Lethargy and weakness
- Blurred eyesight
Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes
It’s essential for diabetes to be diagnosed early so treatment can be begun as soon as possible.
Your urine specimen will be tested for glucose. Urine doesn’t usually contain glucose, but glucose can pass from the kidneys within your urine if you hold diabetes.
If your urine comprises glucose, a specialized blood test known as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) can be practiced to determine whether you have diabetes. An HbA1C test is a blood test that determines your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Your physician may draw your blood a small finger prick.
The raised your blood sugar levels have been over the past few months, the higher your HbA1C level will be.
- 4.0-5.6%<18 years: Hemoglobin A1c measures for diagnosing diabetes have not been confirmed for patients who are <18 years of age.
- 5.7-6.4%-18 years of age, an Enhanced risk for diabetes (prediabetes).
- An HbA1C level of 6.5 or higher intimates diabetes.
Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes
The impairment to produce insulin in type 1 diabetes indicates that insulin treatment is required.
Most people will receive insulin by injection with insulin pens. Insulin can also be achieved by using an insulin pump.
It is significant that you are given education on how to balance insulin doses with dietary consumption and physical activity and how to use blood glucose measuring to help you control your diabetes.
Staying physically active and exercising daily and eating a healthful diet are also essential towards keeping good blood glucose control and reducing the risk of long-term diabetes complications.
Complications of Type 1 Diabetes
Short-term complications
- Hypoglycemia – extremely low blood sugar levels
- Ketoacidosis – that can happen if insulin doses are missed or blood glucose levels become too high
Long-term complications
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Neuropathy
- Retinopathy