Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It is a condition in which the body does not properly recognize its own cells. It results when the body's system for fighting infection turns against a part of the body. In diabetes the immune system attacks the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas and destroys them. The pancreas then produces little or no insulin.

A person suffering from this type of diabetes must take insulin daily to live. It can appear at any age but is mostly found in children and young adults below the age of 40.

The diagnosis of this type diagnosis usually comes when about 90% of beta cells have been destroyed. If this type of diabetes is not diagnosed and treated, the person can slip into diabetic comma known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes:

# Increased thirst and urination.

# Constant hunger.

# Weight loss.

# Blurred vision.

# Extreme fatigue.

# Nausea and vomiting.

# Abdominal pain.

# absence of menstruation.

The diabetic person needs to have meal planning done with consistency to allow food and insulin to work together to regulate blood glucose levels. If these are out of balance, extreme variations in blood glucose can occur.

For the diabetic person it is very important exercise regularly by taking some medical advice.

People with diabetes are more prone to foot problems because of complications related to illness. Diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels and nerves which can result in a decreased ability to sense trauma or pressure on the foot.

Monitor yourself:

1. Visit your physician at least 4 times a year.

2. Have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels and kidney function evaluated yearly.

3. Have your glycosylated hemoglobin measured 3 to 4 times a year to evaluate your overall glucose control.

4. Visit your ophthalmologist at least once a year.

5. Every 6 months have a thorough dental examination and inform your dentist that you have diabetes.

6. Monitor your feet every day for early signs of injury and infections.

7. Stay up-to-date with all vaccinations and get a flu shot every year in the fall.

Your health is in your hands. You can live with diabetes also.