An Introduction to Type 1 Diabetes

An Introduction to Type 1 Diabetes: The facts you should know

Thought to be a fairly uncommon disease process, Type I diabetes affects nearly one out of every 250 people, both old and young, living in the United States today. Although "juvenile" has long been the appellation of this type of the disease, as in Type I juvenile onset diabetes, the disease process may actually occur at any time in life, and appears equally among both girls and boys.

There are innumerable things that can go wrong with your body. Consider this short list:

11 beta hydroxylase deficiency - Chalazion - Addiction - Chronic erosive gastritis - Alpha-thalassemia-abnormal morphogenesis - Beardwell syndrome - Cataract, congenital, with microcornea or slight microphthalmia - Congenital mixovirus - Free sialic acid storage disease - Compartment syndrome - Feingold syndrome - Forney Robinson Pascoe syndrome

Fortunately, even most doctors have not heard of some of these. But even though it is considered fairly uncommon, you probably know someone with insulin dependend diabetes.

Symptoms

While the signs and symptoms of Type I diabetes tend to be subtle in most cases, if not treated, they will eventually become fairly severe. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Blurry vision - Increased thirst - Heavy or labored breathing for no apparent reason - Nausea

Several serious signs and symptoms associated with Type I diabetes that mandate an urgent need for medical attention may include:

Abdominal pain Shaking, trembling Rapid breathing and heart rate Fruity or sweet smelling breath

Causes

Scientists still aren't aware of a variety of the factors leading one to have Type I diabetes. But, they do know that a susceptibility to the condition may be inherited from one or both parents. Researchers have discovered that this form of diabetes may also be caused by something in the environment that causes the wrong reaction within the body's immune system. However, they are not sure as to the origins of these triggers.

Diagnosis

For an accurate diagnosis of Type I diabetes, a doctor must check for abnormal blood sugar levels by performing a blood test, or also testing for the presence of sugar in the urine. With today's knowledge, there is no way to test for impending Type I diabetes, or a method to prevent one from developing this type of diabetes.

Treatment

There are many people, of all ages, who enjoy long, healthy lives despite having Type I diabetes. It's imperative to keep blood sugar levels within their normal range, which may be achieved by eating the right foods, exercise, and having insulin therapy on a regular basis. Anyone with this form of the disease is require to have insulin injections in order to properly manage their blood sugar level, which will also have to be tested regularly.

Without treatment, Type I diabetes may evolve into several serious conditions, some of which may be life-threatening. Kidney damage is a fairly frequent problem in those with the disease with a condition known as nephropathy. Other possible complications include retinopathy, which causes a loss of vision, heart disease, poor blood circulationand abdominal disorders which may also result without medical treatment.

Although a serious disease, Type I diabetes is a problem that can still be successfully managed with the right medical care.