Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes, often referred to as juvenile onset diabetes or childhood diabetes, accounts for roughly 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is characterized as the inability for hormone producing pancreatic cells to produce any insulin. The hormone insulin is used to regulate levels of glucose in the blood stream; glucose is a form of energy used by cells throughout the body. However, with the absence of insulin in the blood stream, cells are unable to convert the glucose into energy. Despite that the majority of diagnosed cases of type 1 diabetes occur in children, it can develop at any time during adulthood. Although the causes of type 1 diabetes are not certain, medical researches believe a genetic predisposition might be a factor in its onset. Furthermore, researchers have also linked increased prevalence of the disease to certain ethnic groups.
Diagnosing Type 1 Diabetes
There are several methods available to doctors to test for type 1 diabetes. The most common test for type 1 diabetes is the plasma glucose test. This test involves fasting for eight hours prior to the test and subsequently drawing blood to determine the blood glucose level of the patient. Alternatively, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) may be administered. This test takes place after a patient drinks 75 grams of glucose and blood is drawn in intervals for up to four hours after the ingestion of the glucose. The American Diabetes Association has established guidelines for the diagnosis of diabetes:
- A random glucose level of 200 mg/dl or higher
- A fasting glucose level of 126 mg/dl or higher
- An oral glucose level of 200 mg/dl or higher
Type 1 Diabetes Treatment
The primary method of treatment for patients with Type 1 Diabetes is the regular injection of insulin to make up for the inability of hormone producing pancreatic cells to adequately produce sufficient amounts of insulin. In addition to insulin injections, the establishment of a health diabetic lifestyle – incorporating proper diet, exercise, and blood glucose monitoring, is essential.
Complications of Type 1 Diabetes
There are numerous health risks and complications associated with type 1 diabetes. Similarly to type 2 diabetes, patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have a much higher propensity to develop cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. High blood pressure can subsequently cause other health problems including damage to the nervous system, kidney disease, or even blindness.
Please keep in mind that this article on Type 1 Diabetes is intended solely as an informational document; consult a licensed physician before making any decisions regarding the management of individual cases of diabetes.
Source: “Type 1 Diabetes”
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