Type 1 diabetes is caused when the body stops producing insulin in the pancreas.
The pancreas is located at the back of the abdomen and has two main functions:
- to produce fluid that flows into the digestive system to help us digest food
- to produce a hormone called insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that controls the flow of glucose (sugar) in and out of the cells of the body. Type 1 diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin came out because of auto-immune damage on the pancreas gland. Damage to the pancreas can occur due to various reasons, such as viral infections. But the most common cause of type 1 diabetes is on the immune system of its own.
Pancreatic insulin-producing cells in people with type 1 diabetes are destroyed by the cells that normally protect the body from the attack of the organism.
This is called auto-immune process ' ', referring to the fact that the body seems to be turning against itself. The reason why this occurs does not seem to be known.
Autoimmune disease
There are other auto-immune diseases, such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. They are more often in people who have type 1 diabetes.
This may reflect a tendency to develop an inherited auto-immune disease that is triggered by a number of other factors in the environment.
In fact what triggered it is still not clear, but there is some evidence to suggest that viral infections can start the process.
What are the symptoms of type 1 Diabetes?
Glucose is one of the main fuels used by the cells of the body for its energy needs.
The brain and the nervous system uses only glucose, while most other cells can also utilize fat for energy.
As a result of the lack of insulin on type 1 diabetes, blood sugar levels rise and the glucose begins to appear in the urine.
Because the use of glucose becomes very inefficient, a type 1 diabetes sufferers untreated experiencing signs and symptoms.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms at the same time, you should see a doctor and a general test of diabetes.
- increased thirst
- fatigue
- frequent urination, both daytime and nighttime (nocturia)
- weight loss (though often increased appetite)
- itching, especially around the genitals, which are caused by the overgrowth of a fungus on the skin
- other infections on the skin (yeast infections and ulcers)) or urine infection.
A family history of diabetes are more prone to make You be having diabetes too. Type 1 diabetes is far more common than type 2 diabetes.
How to Treat type 1 Diabetes?
- Insulin injections on a regular basis. It is given every day or several times a day, depending on the type of insulin used. Insulin sometimes can be given through the ' insulin pump '. Consult with your doctor to see if the pump will be suitable for You
- Stay physically active and exercise much
- Keep the weight remains normal
- Eating the right foods containing carbohydrates quantities are controlled, with a low fat content, sugar and salt.
The goal of treatment with insulin is to control the amount of insulin in the bloodstream so that glucose levels normal, or near normal.
Whether the disease type 1 diabetes can be cured?
Treatment for diabetes depends on the individual. It starts the first time you give yourself insulin injections and continuing program of sports and the type and quantity of eating the right foods. General practitioners and specialists of diabetes will give you advice and guidance.
Ways to help yourself
- Watch the signs (traits characteristic of type 1 diabetes) that indicate a high or low glucose levels.
- Learn how to measure glucose levels and do it regularly. The most important piece of equipment is a tool for measuring blood glucose at home, allowing you to measure blood sugar levels and to control your insulin dose.
- Try to follow your diet may be applied. Learn how to adjust your insulin dose in accordance with what you eat (called ' CARB counting ').
- Learn how to give yourself a shot of insulin.
- Meet your doctor on a regular basis to evaluate your blood glucose levels, perform checks on the eyes, kidneys and feet, and examine the possibility of diabetes symptoms of end stage.
- Meet your doctor early if you are sick because it can cause your diabetes becomes unstable.
Physical activity
Physical activity will help reduce the risk associated to diabetes such as heart disease and cholesterol, as well as improve your general well-being. But you may need to adjust your insulin dose according to the amount of exercise you do. Too much insulin and exercise can lower your blood sugar levels and cause hypoglycemia. Consult your doctor if you need a specific suggestion.
Possible complications:
- Low blood sugar levels cause a loss of consciousness.
- Replacement of inadequate insulin will cause high blood sugar levels and may also cause a serious illness called ketoacidosis.
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can cause poor circulation in the feet, stroke and heart conditions such as angina and heart attack.
- Diabetic Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy).
- Diabetic retinopathy (eye disease related to diabetes).
- Diabetic neuropathy (nerve degeneration), causing ulceration and infections on the feet.
- Susceptibility to infections, such as urinary tract infections.