What You Should Know About Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes Defined
This less common form of diabetes is a result of an autoimmune deficiency. The body sees its own cells as potential threats and attacks the pancreatic cells, which are supposed to release insulin after a person ingests food or beverages. The insulin plays the important role of delivering the nutrients from the blood stream to the cells that are in need of the energy. However, type 1 diabetes kills the insulin-releasing cells and as a result sugar becomes trapped in the blood. The cells that would normally receive the energy boost are deprived, which sends the body into a starvation-like mode. Stored energy reserves are opened up, flooding the already saturated blood with more glucose, which still cannot be used because there is no insulin to transport it.
Causes
The actual cause of this condition is not entirely understood. It is believed that an environmental factor is at play, such as a toxin or virus, that fools the body into believing the pancreatic cells are threatening. However, that has not been confirmed.
Treatment
Due, in part, to the fact that the cause of the problem is not truly know, doctors and scientists have been unsuccessful in finding a true cure for type 1 diabetes. However, a lot is known today about how to control the issue, so blood sugar levels do not get out of hand. Insulin therapy is used in conjunction with an altered diet and lifestyle. There is also need for regular monitoring of glucose levels and also frequent medical exams to ensure the body is responding properly.
Potential Side Effects and Complications
Initially, the symptoms of this disease are minor and may be confused for other issues. They can include increased thirst and hunger, dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, and frequent urination. Because the glucose goes unused by the cells and the energy stores are used, a person can lose a rather impressive amount of weight quite quickly despite an increased appetite. The unused glucose is passed as waste in the form of urine, which explains the frequent trips to the bathroom.
In emergency situations, the body can respond very badly to the huge amount of glucose traveling through the arteries and vessels. This can lead to sudden loss of consciousness, dizziness, confusion, uncontrollable shaking, or vomiting.
Eventually, if left untreated or not properly managed, this condition can lead to other severe problems, such as kidney damage, poor circulation, and disrupted vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy
The latter side effect is often a result of the onset of diabetic retinopathy. This eye disease occurs because of the increased pressure placed on the tiny vessels at the back of the eye. As the glucose clogs them, they can weaken and break, leaking blood into the retina and macula. Sometimes, new and abnormal vessels grow as well. These are unstable and can result in further blood pooling. Over time, this condition can cause serious vision loss or even blindness, which cannot be repaired. Diabetics should have frequent visits with an Austin opthamologist to ensure that retinopathy is caught early, as it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in this country.
Broberg Eye Care
207 James Casey St # 305
Austin, TX 78745-1193
(512) 447-6096
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