What Is Type 1 Diabetes? In people with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot make insulin. This vital hormone helps the bodys cells convert sugar into energy. Without it, sugar builds up in the blood and can reach dangerous levels. To avoid life-threatening complications, people with type 1 diabetes must take some form of insulin for their entire lives. Warning Sign: Unusual Thirst The symptoms of type 1 diabetes tend to come on suddenly and may include: Feeling more thirsty than usual Dry mouth Fruity breath Frequent urination Warning Sign: Weight Loss As blood sugar levels remain high, type 1 diabetes often leads to: Unintentional weight loss Increase in appetite Lack of energy, drowsiness Warning Sign: Skin Problems Many people with type 1 diabetes experience uncomfortable skin conditions, including: Bacterial infections Fungal infections Itching, dry skin, poor circulation Girls with type 1 diabetes are more likely to get genital yeast infections. Babies can develop candidiasis, a severe form of diaper rash caused by yeast that can easily spread from the diaper area to the thighs and stomach. More Dangerous Signs When blood sugars are not controlled, type 1 diabetes can cause more serious symptoms, such as: Numbness or tingling in the feet Blurred vision Low blood sugar/hypoglycemia Loss of consciousness Some patients have no obvious warning signs before falling into a diabetic coma, which requires emergency treatment. More Dangerous Signs: Ketoacidosis Without treatment, type 1 diabetes deprives the bodys cells of the sugar they need for energy. Your body starts burning fat for energy instead, which causes ketones to build up in the blood. These are acids that can poison the body. High levels of acid in the blood and the other abnormalities that result from the change in your bloods pH level may trigger a life-threatening coma known as diabetic ketoacidosis. This is an emergency that must be treated quickly and oftentimes in the hospital. Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes In type 1 diabetes, the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is not under attack and usually produces enough insulin. But for numerous reasons, the body doesn’t use the insulin effectively. The symptoms of the two forms are similar, but usually come on more rapidly in people with type 1. What Causes Type 1 Diabetes? Doctors arent sure what makes the immune system turn against the pancreas, but most suspect a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Scientists have identified 50 genes or gene regions that raise the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. But genetics alone dont account for all the risk, so having these genes doesn’t mean that you’ll develop type 1 diabetes. Some researchers believe that environmental triggers, such as a virus, or dietary or pregnancy-related factors may play a role as well. Who Gets Type 1 Diabetes? Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age. However, it accounts for two-thirds of the new cases of diabetes diagnosed in those under the age of 19. There appear to be two peaks in the age of onset: the first in early childhood and the second during puberty. The condition affects males and females equally, but is more common in whites than in other ethnic groups. According to the World Health Organization, type 1 diabetes is rare in most African, Native American, and Asian populations. Diagnosing Type 1 Diabetes Simple blood tests can diagnose diabetes. A fasting blood sugar test or a random blood sugar test (plus the presence of symptoms) can be used. An A1c test, which reveals average blood sugar levels for the past 2-3 months, can also be used. Tests should be repeated on two separate days to diagnose diabetes. A less convenient glucose tolerance test will also help determine whether you have diabetes. If youre diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, your doctor may be able to determine the type by checking for certain antibodies in the blood. Long-Term Complications Prolonged high blood sugar can damage many of the bodys systems over time. People with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of: Heart disease and stroke Kidney failure Vision problems and blindness Gum disease and tooth loss Nerve damage in the hands, feet, and organs IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE OF HOW YOU CAN GET HELP, CONTACT US IN AGIP HOUSE.
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 07:42:59 +0000
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