What Is Type 1 Diabetes? About Type 1 Diabetes

Well, type 1 diabetes is a type of condition which, along with type 2 diabetes, falls under the larger category of diabetes called diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes is a condition which develops earlier on in life, as young adults, or even children. There are approximately 1 in 300 people in the United Kingdom who develop type 1 diabetes at some point, and type 1 diabetes accounts for between 5 to 15 per cent of all people with diabetes of one kind or another.

The pancreas is the organ in the body that produces a hormone called insulin. Insulin allows the glucose in the blood to be absorbed in to the cells in the body and then broken down for use by the body as fuel. If the alpha cells, also known as islet cells in the pancreas have been destroyed, then no insulin can be produced, and the glucose in the blood cannot be absorbed into the body's cells. This causes the glucose to build up in the blood.

So what the cause of cell destruction? It is not fully understood why the cells in the pancreas get destroyed, but the most likely explanation is that the cause is an infection of some kind, or a virus that may have been contracted at some time may have done the damage.

What are the main symptoms? The main symptoms of type 1 diabetes tend to develop very quickly, over weeks or even days. They include feeling very thirsty, the requirement to urinate excessively, feeling tired, and the involuntary loss of weight and muscle wastage.

Those are the main symptoms, however what is type 1 diabetes other symptoms, because there must be more than that? Well other symptoms which can be observed including blurred vision, skin infections and rashes, itching around the genitals, thrush, constipation, and cramps.

So what is diabetes type 1 symptoms that when experienced require urgent medical attention? Well if experiencing a high temperature, stomach pains, feeling nauseous or actually being sick, and complete loss of appetite, then medical council should be sought out quickly. Sometimes an odd fruity smell may be experienced on your breath. This is also a sign that something is not right and medical attention is required.

What is diabetes type 1 treatment? Unfortunately there is no actual cure for type 1 diabetes, however once diagnosed with the condition, the patient can still have a full and active life. Treatment for the condition means finding a way to maintain a safe glucose level in the blood. Because the pancreas alpha cells have stopped producing insulin, and it is this cause that is increasing the blood glucose level, then a new supply of insulin is required.

There are several types of insulin that can be administered. Some work fast but do not last very long, others will last for several hours, and then there are long lasting ones that will last all day. Type 1 diabetes patients will usually require an insulin injection which can be administered with a syringe or injection pen, and will need to be administered between 2 to 4 times per day.

Another type of treatment involves an insulin pump, which is a small device that contains an insulin supply. Attached to this is a pipe with a needle on the other end. This needle must be inserted under the skin either in the stomach, buttocks, arms, thighs, or hips. Close monitoring of this administration will be required to ensure the correct dosage of insulin.