Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common diseases in children and is one of the two main types of diabetes. It can affect anyone of any age but is most common in people under 30. Type 1 diabetes is when the pancreas doesn't produce insulin or it doesn't produce enough insulin. Without insulin the glucose (sugar) from foods can’t be used as energy and get into the blood cells where it is needed. As a result the glucose stays in the blood making the blood sugar level very high, which can cause many health issues if not treated properly. If type 1 diabetes isn't treated it can lead to health issues including, kidney damage, damage to the eyes, sexual impotence, damage to the nerves of the feet, increased possibility of heart disease and stroke, poor blood circulation in the legs and feet (could lead to lower limb amputation) and increased possibility of infections.
What are the symptoms and treatments?
There are many symptoms of type 1 diabetes which include, weight loss, eating a lot, blurred vision, itching skin, regular urination, fatigue, excessive thirst, nausea and vomiting. To be certain a person has type 1 diabetes they will need a blood test. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes but to stop the symptoms from occurring a person can take treatment. Treatment for type 1 diabetes can include, increasing the amount of carbohydrates in the diet which take longer to be absorbed by the body, taking insulin daily by injections or by insulin pump, regular exercise and regulating diet. If treatment is not taken then the symptoms will continue and more serious problems can occur.
What are the causes and how does it affect daily life?
The cause of type 1 diabetes is the pancreas not producing insulin so the glucose can’t be used as energy in the cells of the blood. Scientist don’t know what causes the pancreas to stop producing insulin but they believe it has something to do with genes, a person’s DNA, if a person has a history of diabetes in their family then they have a higher chance of developing diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can change someone’s daily life as they will need to change their diet so they are eating more carbohydrates which take longer to be absorbed by the body, self-test drops of their blood regularly, take insulin either by injection or a pump, and they will need to do regular exercise. All these aspects will have an impact on a person’s daily life.
There are many symptoms of type 1 diabetes which include, weight loss, eating a lot, blurred vision, itching skin, regular urination, fatigue, excessive thirst, nausea and vomiting. To be certain a person has type 1 diabetes they will need a blood test. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes but to stop the symptoms from occurring a person can take treatment. Treatment for type 1 diabetes can include, increasing the amount of carbohydrates in the diet which take longer to be absorbed by the body, taking insulin daily by injections or by insulin pump, regular exercise and regulating diet. If treatment is not taken then the symptoms will continue and more serious problems can occur.
What are the causes and how does it affect daily life?
The cause of type 1 diabetes is the pancreas not producing insulin so the glucose can’t be used as energy in the cells of the blood. Scientist don’t know what causes the pancreas to stop producing insulin but they believe it has something to do with genes, a person’s DNA, if a person has a history of diabetes in their family then they have a higher chance of developing diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can change someone’s daily life as they will need to change their diet so they are eating more carbohydrates which take longer to be absorbed by the body, self-test drops of their blood regularly, take insulin either by injection or a pump, and they will need to do regular exercise. All these aspects will have an impact on a person’s daily life.