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An Introduction To Type 1 Diabetes |
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Type 1 diabetes among all types of diabetes
is the most chronic and dreaded form. It occurs when the pancreas's beta
cells produce too little insulin to regulate blood sugar levels
appropriately. Type 1 diabetes, often called juvenile or
insulin-dependent diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys the
insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. It often strikes children and
young adults, who must rely on insulin injections or an insulin pump for
survival.
This type of diabetes tends to run in
families, and whites have a higher incidence of having this disease than
other racial groups. High levels of glucose, due to little regulation by
insulin results in excessive urination and thirst. Type 1 diabetes can
occur at any age, but it usually starts in people younger than 30. It
accounts for 3 % of all new cases of diabetes each year. Major symptoms
are:
1) Increased thirst
2) Increased urination
3) Weight loss despite increased appetite
4) Nausea
5) Vomiting
6) Abdominal pain
7) Fatigue
8) Absence of menstruation
The disease is diagnosed with the help of urine analysis, fasting and
random blood glucose, insulin test and c-peptide test.
Immediate
goals of treatment are to treat diabetic ketoacidosis (also called DKA)
and high blood glucose levels. The long-term goals of treatment are to
prolong life, reduce symptoms, and prevent diabetes-related
complications such as blindness, kidney failure, and amputation of
limbs. People with type I diabetes do not have the ability to make their
own insulin, therefore they must take insulin every day. Meal planning
for type 1 diabetes requires consistency to allow food and insulin to
work together to regulate blood glucose levels.
Diabetes alters the bodies immune system and decreases the body's
ability to fight infection. Low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, can
occur in diabetics when they use too much insulin, exercise too much, do
not eat enough food. In absence of glucose, fats are broken down to get
energy and it results in formation of an acid called ketones that is
poisonous for the body.
People with type 1
diabetes are also at higher risk of developing blockages in the major
arteries of the legs than the non-diabetics. Kidney abnormalities may
also be noted early in the disease. Poorly controlled diabetes may
accelerate the development of kidney failure.
People with
diabetes may develop temporary or permanent damage to nerve tissue.
Diabetic neuropathy is more likely to develop if blood glucose is poorly
controlled. People with diabetes are more likely than non diabetics to
develop infections.
Regular measurement and evaluation of
glycosylated hemoglobin, cholestrol and tri glyceride is required for
patients.
Diabetes education is an important part of the
treatment. Diabetes education involves learning how to live with your
disease. Basic "survival skills" include:
a) How to recognize and treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
b) How to recognize and treat high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
c) How to go about diabetes meal planning.
d) How to administer insulin.
e) How to monitor blood glucose and urine ketones.
Although life seems to be at stake once a person suffers from this
disease, regular insulin intake and proper check up of blood sugar level
along with diet control could minimize the risk.
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