Diabetes Basics
Type 1 Diabetes
Earlier, Type 1 diabetes was called juvenile
diabetes. It is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Though Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, it usually starts in young
adults, children and teenagers. That is why it was called 'juvenile'.
Diabetes is a life-long disease. Once diagnosed, it can not be cured
completely, but can be kept under control.
But,
why does a person suffer from this diabetes? Type 1 diabetes is a
chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas produces little or no
insulin to regulate blood sugar levels appropriately. Due to the loss of
the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, glucose builds up in
the bloodstream. It enables our body to convert the food that we eat
into energy which is necessary.
Since, individuals with Type 1
diabetes produce no insulin at all, the presence of glucose increases in
the bloodstream instead of going into the cells. The body is not able to
use this glucose for energy despite its high levels, leading to
increased hunger. The insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas are
completely destroyed within 5 to 10 years after diagnosis and no more
insulin is further produced.
Symptoms are usually severe and
occur quickly. They are as follows:
1) Increased thirst
2) Increased urination
3) Weight loss despite increased appetite
4) Nausea and vomiting
5) Abdominal pain
6) Fatigue
The immediate goal of the treatment of Type 1 diabetes
is to treat diabetic ketoacidosis and high blood glucose levels. Because
of the sudden onset and severity of symptoms in type 1 diabetes,
treatment for newly diagnosed people may involve hospitalization.
Gradually, treatments aim towards prolonging life, lessen symptoms, and
prevent diabetes-related complications such as blindness, kidney
failure, and amputation of limbs.
Type 1
diabetes accounts for 3 % of all new cases of diabetes each year. With
every 7,000 children per year, there is a new case. New cases are less
common among adults older than 20 years. This type comprises of almost
10 % of total cases in North America and Europe.