Overview of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus often develops during childhood or adolescence, although people of any age can develop the condition.
Type 1 diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce insulin, or may cause insulin to be produced in inadequate levels.
As a result, blood glucose levels become too high, which can potentially cause problems if not treated and controlled.
Causes of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
The causes of Type 1 diabetes Mellitus are not known, and in fact, little is known about how the condition starts. Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 often begins quite suddenly, without there being any apparent cause. Type 1 diabetes is classified as an autoimmune disorder, with the cells of the pancreas being attacked. It is the pancreas that controls insulin production and the onset of Type I diabetes affects the pancreas in a way that inhibits this life-sustaining process.
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can include extreme thirst and frequent urination. Although the person is often hungry, unexplainable weight loss can take place. Fatigue is common, even when getting adequate sleep. There may be skin problems such as slow-healing sores, and the skin might be dry and itchy overall. Eyesight might be blurry, and there might be tingling or a loss of sensation in the feet. A person having any of these symptoms should have a blood test done to check for diabetes.
If not treated promptly and correctly, diabetes can have serious long-term effects on the body. If early symptoms are not diagnosed and treated, much more serious complications can develop, including abdominal pain and nausea, extreme fatigue, rapid breathing and dehydration, and in extreme cases, shock or coma, or even death.
Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 diabetes is almost always treated by prescribed insulin. If insulin has been prescribed, it’s important to consistently take the medication, even if you’re not currently feeling bad. By keeping a close eye on blood glucose levels, and treating with insulin, diabetes can be controlled, and its detrimental effects on the body can be minimized. We discuss the complications that might be experienced with Type 1 diabetes Mellitus in our article Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Complications.
Dietary Concerns for Diabetics
It’s also important to follow a good diet that is low in sugar, simple carbohydrates, fat, salt and cholesterol, and high in complex carbohydrates and fiber. This type of diet not only helps keep blood glucose within the proper levels, but also discourages weight gain, which can be detrimental to diabetes on a number of levels. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels also need to be carefully monitored and kept within the healthy ranges.
Regular Medical Care and Check-Ups
Regular medical exams and check-ups are important when a person has Type 1 diabetes. Regular eye exams and dental check-ups are essential, in order to identify minor problems before they become big problems. Visit your doctor twice a year for tests such as the A1C test and a blood pressure check. You should also get a full routine check-up once a year, getting a full blood analysis done, including tests for cholesterol and triglycerides. A urine test should also be given, and the doctor should also do a thorough foot examination.
In addition, you should closely monitor your feet for signs of diabetic complications, such as open sores, wounds that won’t heal, etc. A self-check at home of the diabetic foot daily if possible is recommended; likewise, be sure to ask your doctor to look at your feet each time your visit his office.
While there isn’t a cure for Type 1 diabetes, with proper diet, medication, and by close monitoring of glucose levels and other types of medical tests, it can be controlled and managed effectively, minimizing the chances of long-term complications.
