Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile onset diabetes are some of the other terms that refer to type 1 diabetes, a lifelong disease that marks insufficient insulin production for proper regulation of the body’s blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 3 percent of all diabetic cases recorded annually, yet its real cause still remains unknown. At present, diabetes still has no known cure but can be managed in a number of ways depending on the type and severity of the disorder.
When a person is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas produce little or no insulin at all. Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar (glucose) to enter body cells which is later on used as fuel by the body. Inadequate insulin in the body results to too much sugar or glucose in the blood. Although glucose may be present in the blood, it cannot be used to fuel the body. This leads to increased hunger. Also, high blood glucose levels causes individuals to urinate excessively resulting in excessive thirst.
While type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, it usually starts in people who are younger than thirty, hence the term juvenile onset diabetes. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are typically severe, and quick occurring. Often within five to ten years upon type 1 diabetes diagnosis, the body’s insulin producing beta cells are completely destroyed, making it impossible for the pancreas to produce insulin.
Common symptoms related to type 1 diabetes may include increased thirst and urination, weight loss despite increased appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pains, fatigue, and the absence of menstruation. Individuals who are predisposed to have type 1 diabetes and can observe the common symptoms are encouraged to seek medical help right away. Tests such as urinalysis, blood, insulin, and c-peptide tests are usually prone to diabetes diagnoses.
The conditions of individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes may be meliorated through education and information, proper insulin use, healthy diet, weight control, proper exercise, foot care, and careful self-testing and monitoring of blood glucose levels.
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