Type 1 Diabetes
(Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus; Juvenile-Onset Diabetes)
by Debra Wood, RN
Definition
Type 1 diabetes is a disorder in which the body does not make enough insulin to meet daily needs. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body convert food into energy. Without insulin, glucose (sugar) from the food you eat cannot enter cells and glucose builds up in the blood. Your body tissues become starved for energy.
Type 1 diabetes usually begins in children and young adults. If type 1 diabetes is not treated effectively, long-term, high blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and other tissues.
Causes
Most cases of type 1 diabetes are caused by the body's immune system attacking and destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The current theory is that people whose genes make them prone to this disease are exposued to something in the environment that triggers an immune system attack on the pancreas. The trigger may be a virus, a food, a chemical, or a drug. Current evidence suggest that enterovirus infection (enteroviruses are common and usually cause diarrhea and fever with or without rash) may contribute to the development of diabetes in some children. Children with relatively high birth weights are more likely to get diabetes than are those with lower weights.
The Pancreas
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Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Studies show that the following may be risk factors for developing type 1 diabetes:
- Family history (parent, sibling) of type 1 diabetes
- Bottle feeding or short duration of breast feeding Birth weight above 4500 grams
- Other autoimmune illness, including:
- Hashimoto's disease
- Grave's disease
- Addison's disease
- Pernicious anemia
- Ethnicity: Northern European or Mediterranean
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Increased urination
- Extreme thirst
- Hunger
- Fatigue, weakness
- Blurry vision
- Irritability
Insulin-producing cell destruction may occur so quickly that ketoacidosis is the first sign of a problem. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed based on the results of blood tests and other criteria, including:
- Symptoms of diabetes and a random blood test revealing a blood sugar level greater than or equal to 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl)
- Blood sugar tests after you have not eaten for eight or more hours that reveal blood sugar levels greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl on two different days
- A glucose tolerance test measuring blood sugar two hours after you consume glucose is rarely necessary to diagnose type 1 diabetes.
- Some children receive testing for insulin levels or anti-pancreas antibodies in order to confirm the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.
Treatment
Diabetes treatment aims to maintain blood sugar at levels as close to normal as possible. Regular medical care is essential for preventing or delaying complications.
Insulin
Injections of insulin replace what the pancreas would have produced and are essential for life. Insulin doses may be adjusted based on results of blood-sugar tests conducted prior to meals and at bedtime. You will need to inject insulin two, three or more times daily or wear an insulin pump that continually supplies a small amount of insulin. The pump connects to tubing and a small needle or catheter under the skin.
Diet
- Follow a balanced meal plan, eating consistent and moderate amounts of food at regular times each day.
- Do not skip meals.
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber.
- Eat limited amounts of fat.
- Eat moderate amounts of protein and low-fat dairy products.
- Avoid foods high in sugar.
- Eat a bedtime snack with protein and a starchy food.
- Keep a record of the food you eat to help a dietitian or doctor revise your nutritional needs.
Exercise
Exercise is encouraged when blood sugar levels are under control and there are no complications. Follow your doctor's recommendations for activity levels and restrictions. You may need to adjust your insulin regimen or diet to compensate for low glucose levels associated with exercise.
Blood Sugar Testing
Checking blood sugar levels during the day helps you track the amount of glucose in your blood. Testing is easy with a blood glucose monitor. Keep a record of the results to show the doctor. Your treatment plan may change based on your test results.
Prevention
There are no guidelines for preventing type 1 diabetes.
Sources:
American Diabetes Association
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Last reviewed December 2003 by Lawrence Frisch, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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