Type 1 Diabetes
Monosaccharide (simple sugar) or glucose is derived from the food that is
consumed. After the digestion process is completed in the stomach, the glucose
is assimilated into the blood. The glucose courses through the bloodstream, and
functions as the chief fuel reserve for every cell in the body. But the glucose
cannot penetrate into the cells on its own. It requires the hormone insulin
manufactured by the pancreas, to transfer it from within the blood into the
cells.
At present, approximately 21 million minors and adults in the US are
afflicted with diabetes – encompassing 9.1 million adult female. About one third
among them is oblivious of this fact. The term diabetes has its origin from the
Greek word “siphon”. Diabetes is a medical problem distinguished by unstable or
continual high blood sugar levels ensuing from the faulty secretion of the
insulin hormone. Diabetes develops either when the pancreas is incapable of
manufacturing any insulin, unable to manufacture sufficient insulin or the body
is unable to utilize the insulin produced by the pancreas (as in gestational
diabetes).
Diabetes is a degenerative disease, which even though restricted, persists
throughout life. Type-1 diabetes was once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Type-1 diabetes is an autoimmune complaint,
which occurs when the antibodies produced by the body damages the insulin
manufacturing pancreatic beta cells. It is generally found in youngsters and
teenagers, but can afflict adults also.
Type-1 diabetes is characterized by the fact that a total removal of insulin
from a patient results in ketosis and ultimately ketoacidosis, which can finally
lead to coma and death of the patient, if left untreated. Hence these patients
are totally reliant on insulin from external sources. There are a total of about
10% instances of Type-1 diabetes in the US.
Studies indicate Type-1 diabetes being an autoimmune disorder. Our bodies
devoid of insulin become the dumping ground of glucose in the blood, eventually
leading to ketoacidosis. The most common symptoms of Type-1 diabetes consist of:
tiredness, repeatedly passing urine, dehydration, weight loss, and
breathlessness. Some proofs indicate that Type-1 diabetes is genetically
inclined and people whose blood relations have this disease have high chances of
acquiring this disease.
The greatest protection against such problems is a proper management of diet.
Diabetic patients should do exercises regularly as it assists in lowering blood
sugar levels and burn off extra calories and fat to attain the optimum weight.
Type-1 diabetics should be extra careful whilst working out vigorously.
Researches have proven that by upholding your blood glucose levels you can
protect against potential organ injury caused due to diabetes (damage to vision,
kidneys, and heart). This is of great medical significance and can be attained
only through cautious regulation of food consumption, regulated physical
activity and regular inspection of the blood sugar levels.
Blood glucose level can be effectively monitored by testing a drop of blood
on a glucose meter. A regular regimen of blood glucose checks is specially
recommended when the diabetic patient is under prescribed medication. The
screening if done regularly updates the diabetic patient; informing him how
effective his diet, medicines and exercises have been in restricting the
disease. Special foot care schedule is essential to avoid any kind of harm or
hurt to the feet.
If there is a sudden drop in blood glucose levels then simple sugar or
glucose should be consumed directly to prevent hypoglycemia. Only after the
patient settles down with sugar levels stabilizing can solid food be consumed.
Actual food doesn’t impart adequate sugar required to restore the balance of
sugar in the body and cannot be digested fast.
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