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 Diabetes Type 1
Type 1 Diabetes is also referred to as juvenile-onset Diabetes
and usually occurs to people under the age of 30, but can occur at
any age.
Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas makes little or no
insulin. Insulin is a hormone manufactured and secreted by the
pancreas. Insulin is essential for the cells of your body to
metabolize glucose properly making it possible for your body to
function normally.
Type 1 Diabetes is caused by damage to the pancreas, an organ near
the stomach that contains beta cells, which produce insulin. Many
things can destroy beta cells, but in most people with
insulin-dependent diabetes, a glitch in the immune system causes it
to attack the beta cells. Without insulin-producing beta cells,
glucose builds up in the blood.
Type 1 Diabetes accounts for only 5 percent to 10 percent of all
cases of diabetes. Although Insulin-dependent diabetes is much less
common, it is more severe.
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects 0.3% of the
world's population. It is caused by auto-aggressive T cells that
infiltrate the pancreas and eventually destroy the insulin-producing
B-islet cells. This results in an increase in glucose levels, which
are normally kept in check by insulin. Autoimmune diabetes usually
affects young people, who are then dependent on an artificial source
of insulin for life.
Type 1 Diabetes cannot be cured but it can be treated and
controlled in partnership with your Doctor Diabetic Specialist.
Diabetes - Type 1 - Symptoms You May Have
Early symptoms of untreated diabetes related to elevated blood sugar
levels, and losses of glucose through urine. Early symptoms are:
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Increased thirst and frequent urination - As excess sugar
builds up in your bloodstream, fluid is pulled from your
tissues. This leaves you thirsty and you may become dehydrated
causing you to drink and urinate more than usual. |
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Extreme hunger - Your muscles and organs become depleted of
energy without enough insulin to move sugar into your cells.
This intense hunger will persist even after you eat. Without
insulin, your body’s cells never receives the sugar in the food
you eat. |
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Weight Loss - Despite eating more than usual to relieve
hunger, you will start to
notice weight loss - sometimes rapidly and extreme. |
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Fatigue - You may become tired and irritable when your cells
are deprived of sugar. |
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Blurred vision - If your blood sugar level is too high,
fluid is pulled from your tissues including the lenses of your
eyes which will affect your ability to focus clearly. |
Your Doctor can perform tests to determine if you have Diabetes 1
and prescribe a method of treatment best for your individual needs.
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