Insulin Dependent Diabetes
Insulin dependent diabetes, also known as Type 1 diabetes, is the type of diabetes that results when the body’s immune system attacks the beta cells of the pancreas. Consequently, the pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin. People usually find out that they have insulin dependent diabetes mellitus before reaching the age of 30, although it can be diagnosed at any age. Type 1 diabetes is treated with either oral or injected insulin.
Upon being diagnosed with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, it can be daunting to face a life of medication. If this is your reaction to a diagnosis of diabetes, then you have several resources to make the transition more bearable. These insulin dependent diabetes helpers are the people on your health care team. The members of your health care team are:
- Primary care provider
- An endocrinologist- a doctor who specializes in the treatment of diabetes
- A registered dietician to help you learn healthy eating habits
- A diabetes educator that can teach you to manage your diabetes
- A health psychologist who can help you learn to deal with your feelings
As you work with your insulin dependent diabetes mellitus health care team, you will soon have a greater understanding of diabetes and know how to make the adjustments needed to have a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Since insulin dependent diabetes means that your body does not get the energy it needs in its cells, the insulin actually builds up in the body and results in higher blood glucose levels. These levels, if left untreated, can result in long term complications like vision problems, kidney disease, nerve damage, tooth and gum problems, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and sexual dysfunction.
The best way to prevent perpetually high or sudden drops in glucose levels is through frequent (minimum of 4x daily) blood glucose testing. In order to track highs and lows in blood glucose levels, you should check 2 hours after each meal and before going to bed. During times of sickness, you should check more frequently. Symptoms of high blood glucose and low blood glucose are different (with the exception of 2), and being aware of them will help you respond and correct the problem.
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Warning Signs of High and Low Blood Glucose Levels in Insulin Dependent Diabetes |
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High (Hyperglycemia) |
Low (Hypoglycemia) |
| Thirst | Shakiness |
| Nausea | Sweating |
| Blurry Vision | Hunger |
| Fast breathing | headache |
| Frequent trips to the restroom | Nervousness |
| Weakness | Dizziness |
| Dizziness | Weakness |
| Confusion | |
In cases of low blood glucose, the insulin dependent diabetic should take 15 grams of a sugar source, wait 15 minutes and check again. If it is still low, repeat the process. Should it still be low, call your health care provider.
If you have insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, there are specific items that will be a part of your everyday life. These items are
- Insulin and needles
- A blood glucose meter
- Lancets and test strips
- A logbook
- Fast acting sugar/Glucagon for emergency lows
Aside from medication and monitoring, your diet and amount of daily exercise play an important role in managing your insulin dependent diabetes. The most crucial food groups to watch are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Talk to your dietician about what amounts are best for you. Along with healthy eating, be sure to exercise as it not only keeps you in shape, but will lower your risk of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus complications
So eat right, stay active, and test frequently-before you know it, having diabetes will not be as unbearable as you previously thought.
Tags: insulin dependent diabetes, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, Type 1 diabetes, type I diabetes, Types of Diabetes
