Types of Diabetes- Type 1

There are 3 main types of Diabetes, namely Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes. These types are generally referred to as Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 1 Diabetes

http://dtc.ucsf.edu/types-of-diabetes/type1/understanding-type-1-diabetes/what-is-type-1-diabetes/

Type 1 diabetes is believed to be an autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system attacks the Beta cells-which produce insulin-in the pancreas. This results in little or no insulin being produced. This type of diabetes can occur at any age, but is mostly diagnosed in children, teens or young adults. Type 1 patients need daily injections of insulin as their body makes little or no insulin.

Some causes of Type 1 Diabetes

1. Genetic

http://www.myvisiontest.com/newsarchive.php?id=1362

One can inherit Diabetes from their parents. The chance of inheritance will depend on various factors, such as the age at which the parent was diagnosed, and whether both parents were diagnosed with diabetes. However, genetics alone do not determine the onset of the disease- sometimes, environmental factors are needed to trigger the disease.

2. Caused by Virus

http://www.healing-diabetes.com/21-causes-of-diabetes

Some research suggests that viral infections may trigger the disease in genetically susceptible individuals.

3. Lifestyle and Age

http://powering-society.blogspot.sg/2012/03/exercise-getting-you-down-not-any-more.html

Type 1 diabetes can occur in an older individual due to destruction of the pancreas by alcohol, disease, or removal by surgery. It also results from progressive failure of the pancreatic beta cells, the only cell type that produces significant amounts of insulin. However, it is usually diagnosed in young individuals.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

http://www.rxprescriptionguide.org/diseases/diabetes

Symptoms of diabetes include blurry vision, excess thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, and hunger and weight loss. Symptoms may be seen immediately for type 1 as it develops over a short period of time, unlike Type 2(Which we will talk about in our next post)

Diagnosis

There are several blood tests used to diagnose Type 1 Diabetes, such as testing of fasting blood glucose level, non-fasting blood glucose level, and Hemoglobin test.

Treatment 

Though all types of Diabetes are treatable, there is no cure currently. The treatment for a patient with Type 1 is mainly injected insulin, plus some dietary and exercise adherence.


Citations

1. Zieve, D. (2011). Pubmed health. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002194/
2. Christian, N. (2010, april). Medical news today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/diabetes/
3. Wagers, A. P. D. (2011, May 19). Understanding the stress of aging and diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.joslin.org/news/understanding-the-stress-of-aging-and-diabetes.html
4. Ferry, R. (n.d.). Diabetes risks, symptoms, treatment. Retrieved from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/diabetes/article_em.htm
5. Eckman, A. S. (2011, June 28). Type 1 diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001350/
6. What is type 1 diabetes?. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://dtc.ucsf.edu/types-of-diabetes/type1/understanding-type-1-diabetes/what-is-type-1-diabetes/ 

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