Type I Diabetes

Type I Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is the least common type of diabetes, whereas type 2 diabetes is much more common. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin, which is one of the body’s natural and important hormones. A person’s body attacks its own immune system when they have type 1 diabetes, which can destroy cells in the pancreas used to make insulin. Type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented or cured, and there is no known cause of the disease.

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes

People of any age can get type 1 diabetes, though it is more common in children and teens. The hormone insulin is used to produce beta cells in the pancreas and is needed for moving blood sugar, called glucose, to these cells so they can be stored for energy. However someone with type 1 diabetes has beta cells not producing adequate amounts of insulin which causes a build-up of glucose in the bloodstream. There isn’t a single cause for type 1 diabetes and no scientific evidence of why some people get it and others don’t. However a common risk factor is having an autoimmune disorder.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

A variety of signs and symptoms are associated with type 1 diabetes. The first stage of the disease causes hunger, excessive thirst, fatigue, blurry eyesight, sudden weight loss, frequent urination, and numbness or tingling in the feet. As the blood sugar rises and the disease progresses, it can cause other side effects like deep and rapid breathing, fruity breath odor, flushed face, dry mouth and skin, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and the inability to keep down any fluids.

Diagnosing Type 1 Diabetes

There are a variety of tests often performed by doctors to diagnose diabetes, including determining if it is type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This includes a fasting or non-fasting blood glucose level test, oral glucose tolerance test, and a hemoglobin A1c test. A ketone test might also be performed which uses either a urine or blood sample. Some patients might need more tests done to check the skin and bones of the feet and legs, looking for numbness, and checking blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Treating Type 1 Diabetes

The first course of treatment is usually done in the hospital while the patient is admitted and receiving fast treatment. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes can come on quickly and often be quite severe which is why a hospital stay is common. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes but it can be treated with regular tests and check-ups, controlling your blood sugar levels, and monitoring your blood sugar on a regular basis.

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