Type 1 diabetes
Alternative Names
Diabetes, Diabetes mellitusWhat is Type 1 diabetes
Diabetes is a condition caused by too much glucose in blood. It is also known as diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic long-term condition when the pancreas produces little or no insulin needed to allow glucose to enter cells to produce energy.
Signs and symptoms
Type 1 diabetes symptoms are:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
Possible complications
Type 1 diabetes can have negative influence on many major organs in human body including heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys.
The possible complications are:
- Heart and blood vessel disease including coronary artery disease with chest pain (angina), heart attack, stroke, narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and high blood pressure
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Kidney damage (nephropathy)
- Eye damage
- Foot damage
- Skin and mouth conditions
- Osteoporosis
- Pregnancy complications
- Hearing problems
What causes
In the case of type 1 diabetes the immune system attacks pancreas cells destroying or damaging them enough to stop insulin production. It may be because of a viral infection. Type 1 diabetes usually runs in families. Diabetes may be caused by chronic pancreatitis when the pancreas becomes inflamed.
Prevention
There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Treatment
To treat type 1 diabetes you should:
- Take insulin and other medications
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
- Eat healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains
- Monitor blood sugar
The primary goal of treating is to keep blood sugar level as close to normal as possible.
