Type 1 Diabetes
By Jeff Staats

                                                                TYPE1 DIABETES

Type 1 is an autoimmune disease that results in the permanent destruction of insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas.  It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes.  Type 1 is serious, but people with can live long, healthy, happy lives.  Type 1 is the second most common chronic disease in children (after asthma) and affects males and females in equal numbers.  Type 1 affects all body systems and can cause serious, potentially life-threatening complications, including: Eye damage (retinopathy) — In this disorder, tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye are damaged by high blood sugar.  Type 1 accounts for between 5 and 10% of all diagnosed in the United States.  It can't be prevented, and there is no practical way to predict who will get it.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop suddenly over days to weeks and vary widely from person to person.  Symptoms of are increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, weakness, dizziness, trembling, sudden sweating, headache, confusion, irritability, and blurry or double vision.  If these symptoms occur and you have a blood sugar test kit available, do a blood sugar check.  Symptoms typically appear when the blood sugar level falls below 70.  If the symptoms don't go away, more sugar should be eaten and the sugar level tested again.  AFTER the symptoms go away, more substantial food can be eaten.  Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have symptoms of severe hypoglycemia or insulin reaction: Trembling, Weakness, Drowsiness, Headache, Confusion, Dizziness, Double vision, Lack of coordination, Convulsions or Unconsciousness.  If you are a parent, relative, or friend of someone experiencing these symptoms, monitor the person closely.  Because of the sudden onset and severity of symptoms in type 1 diabetes, treatment for newly diagnosed

people may involve hospitalization.

Care

With diabetes, carefully controlling blood sugar is the key to maintaining good health.  Type 1 is treated with insulin replacement therapy — usually by injection or insulin pump — carbohydrate counting, and careful monitoring of blood glucose levels using Glucose meters.  The health care professional reviews blood glucose levels to determine the appropriate type of insulin the person should use.  People are taught how to give insulin injections by their health care provider or a nurse educator. Those with Type 1 must take special precautions before, during, and after intense physical activity or exercise. Ask your health care provider before starting any exercise program.

People with type 1 need regular checkups, careful daily monitoring of blood sugar levels, and insulin treatment for life.  A healthy diet for someone with type 1 is one that keeps the amount of glucose in the blood relatively constant, which makes it easier to control with insulin therefore, a person with type 1 typically is advised to eat, exercise and take insulin at about the same times every day.  If you or your child have type 1 diabetes, see your doctor regularly (as your doctor advises) to make sure that you are keeping good control of your blood sugar, and to be checked for early signs of complications such as heart disease, eye problems and skin infections.  For most people, type 1 is a life-long disease that can be effectively managed with insulin.