What Is Type 1 Diabetes? Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease. People with type 1 have high levels of glucose in their blood. Glucose is a natural sugar that your body uses as a source of energy. It is obtained from food. Extra glucose is stored in the liver and muscle tissues. It is released when extra energy is needed, such as between meals or when sleeping. Insulin is the hormone that helps glucose enter cells. It is produced by the pancreas. In healthy individuals, the pancreas releases insulin whenever glucose levels rise. This doesn’t happen in people with type 1 diabetes. They need to take injections of insulin to help them process glucose. Type 1 diabetes is a manageable, chronic condition. However, failing to control your blood sugar properly can be very dangerous. In rare cases, complications can even be fatal. What Causes Type 1 Diabetes? Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the beta cells of the pancreas. These are the cells that create insulin. People with type 1 diabetes cannot make enough insulin to control their blood sugar. The reasons why the immune system attacks beta cells are unknown. Who Is at Risk for Type 1 Diabetes? Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are poorly understood. However, some factors have been tentatively identified. Heredity may be important in some cases of type 1 diabetes. If you have a family member with the condition, your risk of developing it is increased. Several genes have been tentatively linked to this condition. Younger people are more likely to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This is why the condition is sometimes called “juvenile diabetes.” The most common age of diagnosis is between 11 and 14 years old. It is rarely diagnosed after age 40. Race may be a risk factor for type 1 diabetes. It is more common in Caucasians than in those of Asian and African descent. Geography may also play a role in this condition. For some reason, it is more common in countries that are farther from the equator. People in Finland are approximately 300 times more likely to develop type 1 diabetes than those in the United States. What Are the Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes? The following symptoms may be signs of type 1 diabetes: sudden change in appetite dehydration change in vision fatigue excessive urination dramatic weight change numbness or lack of sensation in the feet If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Jul 2013 00:48:41 +0000
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