Type 1 Diabetes

Type I diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes, insulin-dependent diabetes, mellitus, and sugar diabetes.   5-10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes are type I.   Type I diabetes usually develops in childhood or young adulthood. 

There is more than one form of this disease. 

The first is immune-mediated diabetes.  This occurs when the bodies own immune system attacks and destroys the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin.  The other form is referred to as idiopathic type I diabetes, it is the form of the disease in which there is no known cause.  

What exactly causes the body’s immune system to destroy the insulin producing cells of the pancreas is unknown.  But since insulin is necessary for glucose to be transported to the cells of the body, the cells cannot produce energy without it. 

Type I diabetes usually has a rapid onset.  Symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, changes in vision, excessive fatigue or weakness, irritability or moodiness and nausea and vomiting.  Diabetes in children can present with flu-like symptoms. 

Treatment of type I diabetes consists of eating a healthy diet with balanced physical activity, monitoring blood glucose levels and administration of insulin..   An appropriate diet helps to keep blood sugar levels manageable, exercise helps the body lower and use the glucose.  Type I diabetes always requires insulin injections because the pancreas is no longer producing insulin.  The type I diabetic must monitor blood glucose levels carefully. 

Many glucose testing monitors are on the market today for self monitoring.   There is a lab test called HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) which will measure the average of the glucose level in the blood over a three month period.   This test requires an order from your doctor and is usually performed a few times a year.

Some complications of type I diabetes are low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.  Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar drops too low.  Another complication is hyperglycemia or high blood sugar.  The exact opposite of hypoglycemia this is when there is too much sugar in the blood.    A very serious complication is ketoacidosis which can lead to diabetic coma.  All of these conditions require immediate intervention and you should seek medical attention.