Type 1 Diabetes Information – An Overview

Basic type1 diabetes information:

• Correct medical terminology for the disease is Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Caused by pancreas that produces very little or no insulin at all.
• Requires treatment with insulin
• Can develop at any age, but usually begins in childhood
• Accounts for around 10% of all diabetes cases
• Is an autoimmune condition

Information on Diabetes Type 1 Causes

Researches don’t have a definitive single cause of type 1 diabetes. Information on type I diabetes causes over the past several decades has led researchers to believe that a family history of type 1 diabetes is a high risk factor, but some patients do develop it with no family history of the disease. It is believed that some people are genetically predisposed and therefore more susceptible to developing type 1 diabetes. Other type1 diabetes information from research suggests that environmental factors trigger the autoimmune response that destroys the beta cells of the pancreas. These are the cells that produce the hormone insulin. In recent years, environmental factors are getting more attention as a possible cause. Scientists believe that factors like vitamin D deficiency, exposure to certain viruses, and even some food exposure early in life could be responsible. Much more research will need to be done before conclusive evidence is found to specifically know the cause or causes of type 1 diabetes. Information is being generated at an exponentially faster rate as technology allows research to become more effective and efficient.

Information about Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms is the first step in diagnosing type 1 diabetes. Information from blood and urine tests will then be analyzed to determine your diagnosis and determine whether you have type 2 or type 1 diabetes. The most common symptoms are listed below. It should be noted that the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are similar in many cases, although the risk factors are different. This article is dealing with type 1 diabetes, but information about diabetes type 1and 2 can be found elsewhere. The symptoms are mostly associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and include:

• Excessive thirst
• Fatigue, or feeling tired all the time
• Frequently needing to urinate (more than normal)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blurred vision

If these symptoms are observed, testing should be done without delay so treatment can begin as soon as possible if type 1 diabetes is diagnosed. The testing necessary will begin with a simple urine test to look at blood sugar levels, and then will include one or more blood tests.

Type 1 Diabetes Information on Treatment

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition, and will need to be treated for the remainder of your life. The good news is that with proper treatment, you can live a relatively normal life with type 1 diabetes. Information on treatment will be individualized and developed with the help of your doctor, but will involve some lifestyle adjustments including regular testing of your blood sugar, an exercise plan, depending on your physical condition, weight management and some form of insulin treatment to replace or supplement your body’s insulin.