Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body doesn’t produce any or enough insulin and it results high amount of glucose in the blood.
Typical symptoms
Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) is an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys its own, insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. This happens when the immune system doesn’t work properly, and the body does not recognize its own cells. Then it produces autoantibodies that start to destroy the insulin producing cells.
Autoantibodies are proteins that attack certain proteins or molecules in the body’s own tissues. They’re produced in the immune system when the body can not differentiate its own molecules from others.
The destruction of insulin producing cells causes insulin deficiency, that lead to blood sugar level problems. Without the help of the essential insulin, the cells are unable to absorb glucose, therefore blood glucose level rises dramatically.
What can be the causes of Type 1 diabetes?
- Genetic predisposition: The presence of certain genes indicates an increased risk of developing Type 1 diabetes
- Exposure to viruses and environmental factors: Viruses that can lead to Type 1 diabetes: rubeola, mumps, cytomegalovirus
Which age group is primarily affected by Type 1 diabetes?
It occurs mostly in children and adolescents.
What are the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes?
- increased fluid intake
- increased intake of food, but weight loss
- frequent urination
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- visual disturbance
- disorientation
- fatigue, deconcentration
- high blood sugar
- sugar in the urine
What are the complications of Type 1 diabetes?
Hypoglycaemia
Deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream.
Hyperglycameia
The level of glucose in the bloodstream is higher than it should be.
Ketoacidosis and coma
Ketoacidosis occurs when cells cannot receive glucose for energy and the body begins to break down fat and muscle for energy. When it happens, ketons are produced and enter the bloodstream, causing chemical imbalance. In severe cases, ketoacidosis lead to diabetic coma.
Treatment of Type 1 diabetes
Even though the disease is not curable, blood glucose can be kept in a bearable level under controlled conditions thanks to the modern treating methods. Therefore, people with diabetes can live a full life, just as the healthy ones.
Balanced diet, regular exercise
Daily regular exercises and eating healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, fibres, vitamins, fish, poultry meat, etc.) are greatly contribute to the effectiveness of the treatment.
Insulin replacement
Daily multiple (2 to 5 times) insulin injections. In some cases usage of an insulin pump.