Information On Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin Dependent Diabetes)

What Is Diabetes Type 1?

Diabetes mellitus type 1, or insulin dependent diabetes is a medical condition where:

1. There is lack of production of insulin by the pancreas.

2. Where this is thought to be due to autoimmune damage to the pancreas.

3. Insulin treatment is needed for survival.

However the cause of type 1 diabetes is not fully known, although there is evidence that it is an autoimmune process, and which may be triggered by a yet to be discovered event.

Who Gets Insulin Dependent Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes occurs typically in younger age groups, from young children to teenagers to young adults.

But sometimes the onset can be in later adult years.

What Symptoms Occur In Type 1 Diabetes And Why?

Because no insulin is produced, the blood glucose levels in the bloodstream goes up, causing diabetes symptoms such as increased thirst, drinking and urination.

And because insulin is absent, glucose is not taken up into cells to be used as fuel by the body, and there is also increase hunger and weight loss.

Often, when diabetes starts, and the patient has no treatment, the blood glucose levels go up very high, causing a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. This means the sugar levels are extremely high, there is acidosis in the bloodstream, and as a result the person becomes unwell, has dehydation, blood chemistry problems, and will lose consciousness, may have seizures, and go into coma unless he or she is treated.

How Is Diabetes Type 1 Treated?

Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin.

Plus a healthy lifestyle is important as well.

Good monitoring o the control of diabetes at home with a glucose meter as well as by the doctor with blood tests and specialist appointments is very important.

What Happens If Diabetes Type 1 Is Not Treated Adequately?

FIrstly, as mentioned, if insulin is not given or is not available, then diabetic ketoacidosis and coma and even death can result.

Secondly, if diabetes ype 1 is beign treated but is not treated adequately, then diabetes can cuase these complications:

Short Term Complications Of Diabetes Type 1

  • Diabetic symptoms eg increased thirst, drinking, urination
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis, seizures, coma
  • Increased infections (the immune system doesn't work as well in poorly controlled blood sugars)
  • Side effects of insulin treatment, eg hypoglycemic episodes (too low blood glucose levels)

Long Term Complications Of Diabetes Type 1

Eye Problems: Cataracts, retinal problems, loss of vision

Neuropathy: Numbness, pins and needles, pain in the feet and hands

Impotence

Heart disease: Angina, heart attacks, heart failure

Kidney damage and kidney failure

Leg arterial problems: Claudication, leg pain, gangrene

Infections from lack of feeling in the feet (not knowing an injury or cut is present), poor circulation as well as compromised immune system if blood sugar levels are not controlled.

So as you can see, diabetes is a condition which affects nearly every part of the body.

Good ocntrol and good treatment of type 1 diabetes is neccessary.

Learn More About Type 1 Diabetes

Information on type 1 insulin dependent diabetes