type i diabetes

Diabetes mellitus type 1, also known as IDDM, is a form of diabetes that occurs when an autoimmune reaction triggers the destruction of the beta-cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for the production of insulin. This remarkable hormone is needed by the human body to transport glucose to the cells, where it is converted into energy and stored for later use. The lack of insulin leads to increased levels of glucose in the blood and urine.

This form of diabetes can develop at any age, but its onset is most often in early childhood. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), poliphagia (increased hunger), fatigue, blurry vision, loss of sensation in feet, and weight loss. As this is a chronic, lifelong disease, people affected by it will need constant treatment throughout their lives. Inadequate treatment or failure to receive it may ultimately lead to dangerous complications or even death.

The most common way to treat type 1 diabetes is daily shots of insulin, which will help the sufferer process the glucose he or she receives from meals. A person with diabetes will typically receive an insulin shot before each meal and one before bedtime. During the patient's childhood, these shots will be performed by a caretaker, while adults will be taught to give themselves insulin shots thus ensuring their complete autonomy. Aside from this, each person with diabetes will usually have a special kit equipped with insulin doses for the daily shots, and a glucometer that can provide fast and accurate readings of blood glucose levels via a barely-felt needle prick to the fleshy part of a finger.

Regularly checking one's glucose levels will help avoid hypo- or hyperglycemia, which are very dangerous situations that can result in loss of consciousness. If a person passes out due to inadequate insulin administration, there is typically an emergency shot in their personal kit that can be administered by someone else present. Such unfortunate situations are considered a medical emergency and should be tended to as soon as possible.

Type 1 is considered a lifetime irreversible disease, while Type 2 has been shown to be reversed with lifestyle and dietary changes, with a raw food detox diet being one method showing promise.

You'll find bloggers talking about diabetes at sites like blogs.kentlaw.edu and health.universityofcalifornia.edu.

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