"Type 1 Diabetes Treatment"

Type 1 Diabetes Facts

Located at the back of the abdomen, pancreas secrete the hormone insulin, that is vital in controlling the sugar (glucose) flow in and out of the body cells. Deficiency or lack of insulin in the body leads to occurrence of type 1 diabetes. Deficiency of insulin in the body is a consequence of damaged pancreas. The pancreas are damaged due to an autoimmune disorder or due to a viral infection. The reason for autoimmune disorders (like complications of thyroid and adrenal glands) are still not clear to medical science.

All that medical experts are able to predict is that, in an autoimmune disorder, the body's immune system turns against itself. Hence, in type 1 diabetes, the cells in pancreas responsible for insulin production are destroyed by the very same cells that are inherently designed to protect body from microorganism infections.

Type 1 diabetes is less common (nearly 10% of all diabetes cases in America are type 1) than majorly prevalent type 2 diabetes disease (nearly 90% of all total diabetes cases are of type 2). Moreover, type 1 diabetes causes include various reasons right from auto immunity to viral infections, genetics, etc.

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment and Prevention

The most common and in fact most widely used type 1 diabetes cure is the injection of insulin under the skin fat so that it is absorbed into the blood stream. Once insulin is into the blood stream, it can then easily reach all cells of the body that are in urgent need of insulin for producing energy.

It has to be noted that insulin in the form of pills is not recommended as the acidic juices in the stomach interfere with it, and hence the insulin can be destroyed before showing any effects. Since insulin is a hormone, its chemical structure (three-dimensional molecules) is damaged after reaction with acids. Either through digestive system enzymes (released by pancreas) or through stomach acids, insulin can be destroyed. Hence, injections are the safest and ideal way. Summarized briefly, type 1 diabetes treatment is meted out to patients in following ways.

• Frequent or regular insulin injections or insulin pumps (as per prescribed by medical experts).
  Ensuring that physical activity in the form of plenty of exercises (not over straining exercises though) are an integral part of the lifestyle of a diabetic patient.
  Monitoring the body weight frequently and putting a check on it, in case it exceeds or is less than normal body weight.
  Following proper type 1 diabetes diet, keeping in mind the carbohydrate levels in the diet.
   

It has to be understood that type 1 diabetes treatment varies for every individual, in terms of insulin dosage and other activities. Hence, in case you have been wondering 'how to treat type 1 diabetes', then the answer is that you have to work as per guidance of your health care dietitian, GP and diabetes nurse. Smoking and alcohol must be quit as they are threats to the life of a diabetic patient. A healthy lifestyle is the most important requirement for improving symptoms of type 1 diabetes. Moreover, your self determination and support of family and friends is also crucial. By starting from proper dosage of insulin injections to healthy exercises and eating right type and amount of food, type 1 diabetes treatment can certainly be successful in reducing the risk factors of diabetes type 1 to the minimum.

Type 1 Diabetes in Women

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes in Women

Type 1 diabetes is also known as mellitus, wherein the insulin producing beta cells within the pancreas begin to malfunction or get destroyed completely. This results in the glucose levels to rise beyond normal limits while retarding the production of insulin hormone. Here are some of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in women.

Frequent Urination and Thirst
Women with this condition will feel the urge to relieve themselves several times during the day and especially during the night. Therefore waking up 4-5 times during the night so as to urinate may correlate with this condition. The reason for this phenomenon is that the kidneys are not being able to process the excessive glucose in the system, therefore they will try to dissolve the glucose with the remaining water within the body. This results in frequent urination as well as thirst, because the body tends to get dehydrated, which is why it needs more water than usual.

Weight Loss With Excessive Hunger
Diabetes, when not treated, causes the body to reject the glucose present and instead causes the cells to seek energy from the stored fat. The glucose thereby mixes with the bloodstream which causes the women to feel hungry at all times. Since the body is utilizing stored fats so as to function properly, it causes the body to lose weight while increasing appetite. One of the steady signs of diabetes in women is weight loss, which can be controlled through prescribed insulin therapy.

Behavioral Changes

• The onset of diabetes causes the individual to feel lazy, sleepy and tired most of the time. There is a constant urge to rest and avoid physical activities. Many women complain of finding it increasingly difficult to work at office as they cannot concentrate for too long. They experience fatigue, weakness and irritation at having to work, when instead all that they crave for is some sleep.
  Diabetes also causes the eyesight to weaken, which is why many women need to wear spectacles.
  Contact lenses do not suit many women with diabetes as they complain of eye infections and pain while wearing them. However, this case may differ from one individual to the other.
  It also increases the person's appetite for sugary foods, which must be curbed at all costs, so as to prevent an overload of glucose in the body.
  It causes the menstrual cycles to become irregular or abnormal, wherein women may either experience their cycles earlier or later than usual, or they may experience either increased or drastically reduced blood flow during their menstruation.
  One of the symptoms of pre diabetes in women is increased incidences or frequency of vaginal infections such as yeast/fungal growth or UTI. This occurs because the excess glucose causes the fungi to feed and grow on the sugar, which makes it cause infections.
  Fluid retention and increased weight gain over the abdominal region.
  Pigmentation on the nape of the neck as well as all the joints where the skin gets darker than usual as a result of excessive melanin secretion.
  Increase in facial and bodily hair.
  Wounds take longer than usual to heal.

Gestational Diabetes in Women

Diabetes often affects pregnant women who have never been diagnosed with the condition previously. Gestational diabetes causes the blood glucose levels to shoot up during pregnancy, which thereby increases the chances of both the mother as well as the child developing the condition. Diabetes symptoms in women during pregnancy is usually discovered during a routine blood sugar test after the first trimester. Diabetes also increases the chances of a difficult delivery and the possibility that the child may have juvenile diabetes from birth. Some of the symptoms of gestational diabetes in women are:

Increased chances of cesarean instead of normal delivery.
Excessive fatigue, weight loss, thirst, hunger, and frequent urination.
The possibility of recovering from diabetes soon after the pregnancy is over.
The possibility of giving birth to babies who weigh more than 9 pounds at birth.
Increases chances of these babies growing up to become over weight or obese children.
Diabetes either in the child or the mother or both post pregnancy.

This condition can be brought under control during pregnancy which can prevent the condition from affecting the unborn baby or the mother during, as well as after, the delivery.

What Causes Type 1 Diabetes in Children?

What Causes Type 1 Diabetes in Children

Though the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not yet known, some doctors believe that it is caused due to a faulty gene. Though this condition can affect individuals of any age group, it is usually observed during childhood, hence is also known as juvenile diabetes or childhood diabetes. Sometimes it is also known as insulin independent diabetes, since the sufferer requires insulin shots to bring the glucose levels to normal. In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system tends to destroy the insulin producing cells, called islets of Langerhans, in the pancreas. With the destruction of these essential cells, the body is unable to produce insulin, due to which metabolism of glucose fails. Instead of being processed in the cells, the glucose levels begin to build up in the bloodstream, which can be life-threatening in case of uncontrolled diabetes. A family history of diabetes is also another causative factor for this health condition.

Type 1 diabetes in children can lead to several complications like multiple organ failure, disease of the heart and blood vessels, damage to the nerves (or neuropathy) and kidney diseases. These conditions can be aggravated as the child grows older. The child may also suffer from eye problems since the nerves and blood vessels in the eyes, especially the retina, can become damaged due to excess levels of glucose. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy and can lead to partial or total blindness, cataracts and even glaucoma. It is very essential to diagnose this disorder in time to prevent these complications.

"Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes in Children"

Though type 1 diabetes is most common in children and young adults, it can occur at any age. Some of the diabetes symptoms in children are given below. These symptoms usually take a few days to develop:
Excessive thirst and frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Intense hunger which is not satisfied even after a heavy meal
Fatigue and becoming lethargic
Genital yeast infections seen mostly in girls
Blurred vision and other eyesight related problems
Slow or prolonged healing of wounds
Other symptoms are abdominal pain and dehydration in very young children
Treating Type 1 Diabetes in Children

Though there is no certain cure for type 1 diabetes in children, the severity of this condition can be brought under control by regular monitoring of the blood sugar level and keeping a check on the foods consumed. Before going in for treatment the doctor may ask the patient to undergo random blood test to determine the levels of sugar in the blood. Once the level is diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe certain drugs and medications as a means for diabetes treatment. Insulin injections and other medications to produce insulin in the body are prescribed. A flexibility in the diet is also essential to control this pancreas problem. Children with this problem are taught to monitor their blood sugar level and inject insulin. They are also encouraged to actively participate in diabetes management so that they can also lead a normal lifeWhat Causes Type 1 Diabetes in Children

Though the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not yet known, some doctors believe that it is caused due to a faulty gene. Though this condition can affect individuals of any age group, it is usually observed during childhood, hence is also known as juvenile diabetes or childhood diabetes. Sometimes it is also known as insulin independent diabetes, since the sufferer requires insulin shots to bring the glucose levels to normal. In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system tends to destroy the insulin producing cells, called islets of Langerhans, in the pancreas. With the destruction of these essential cells, the body is unable to produce insulin, due to which metabolism of glucose fails. Instead of being processed in the cells, the glucose levels begin to build up in the bloodstream, which can be life-threatening in case of uncontrolled diabetes. A family history of diabetes is also another causative factor for this health condition.

Type 1 diabetes in children can lead to several complications like multiple organ failure, disease of the heart and blood vessels, damage to the nerves (or neuropathy) and kidney diseases. These conditions can be aggravated as the child grows older. The child may also suffer from eye problems since the nerves and blood vessels in the eyes, especially the retina, can become damaged due to excess levels of glucose. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy and can lead to partial or total blindness, cataracts and even glaucoma. It is very essential to diagnose this disorder in time to prevent these complications.

"Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes in Children""

Though type 1 diabetes is most common in children and young adults, it can occur at any age. Some of the diabetes symptoms in children are given below. These symptoms usually take a few days to develop:
Excessive thirst and frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Intense hunger which is not satisfied even after a heavy meal
Fatigue and becoming lethargic
Genital yeast infections seen mostly in girls
Blurred vision and other eyesight related problems
Slow or prolonged healing of wounds
Other symptoms are abdominal pain and dehydration in very young children
Treating Type 1 Diabetes in Children

Though there is no certain cure for type 1 diabetes in children, the severity of this condition can be brought under control by regular monitoring of the blood sugar level and keeping a check on the foods consumed. Before going in for treatment the doctor may ask the patient to undergo random blood test to determine the levels of sugar in the blood. Once the level is diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe certain drugs and medications as a means for diabetes treatment. Insulin injections and other medications to produce insulin in the body are prescribed. A flexibility in the diet is also essential to control this pancreas problem. Children with this problem are taught to monitor their blood sugar level and inject insulin. They are also encouraged to actively participate in diabetes management so that they can also lead a normal life

What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?

What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?

The main cause of type 1 diabetes is the destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas producing insulin. Lack of insulin in the body ceases breakdown of glucose, leading to elevation of blood sugar levels. The other causes of type 1 diabetes is mentioned below.

"Autoimmunity": The cells of the immune system are subjected to self degradation. This is an issue of the autoimmune system that contributes maximum towards type 1 diabetes. The beta cells are annihilated that make the body incapable of producing insulin, thus, giving rise to type 1 diabetes.

"Viral Infections": Viruses like rubella and mumps trigger the type 1 diabetes. These two viruses are responsible for making an individual susceptible to diabetes. They can affect the insulin producing cells indirectly.

"Foods:" Type 1 diabetes causes are associated with foods as well. There are evidences showing that some foods might cause diabetes although studies have not yet confirmed the fact. Sometimes dairy based products like milk can trigger an autoimmune response causing type 1 diabetes. Food borne chemical toxins cause such infections. There are certain varieties of foods that influence the gut flora and its immune system. Wheat is known to have detrimental effects.

"Genetic": Gene expressions in the form of dominant or recessive traits are responsible for bringing about a histocompatibility disorder, characteristic to type 1 diabetes. The gene responsible is IDDM1, located in the Major Histocompatibility Complex II region in the chromosome 6. It results in improper display of antigens for T-cells.

symptom of diabetes In Children

What are the symptoms?

Diabetes in children is characterized by certain specific symptoms. The need to drink water more often, insufficient immunity to common infections, blurred vision, any wounds which do not heal fast enough, numb sensations in the hands and feet, frequent urge to urinate, too much hunger for food, rapid weight losses, irritable behavior and many more.

The problem with the symptoms of juvenile diabetes patients face is that these symptoms are easily considered as part of growing up years. Hence parents tend to take these quite lightly. Moreover, each of these symptoms alternates. So today, the child maybe facing extreme hunger, tomorrow it could be irritability and the next time it could even be blurring of vision. Since there is no particular pattern or consistency, detecting if it is diabetes will be very difficult for a parent. However close watch and careful observation is a must.

• Diabetes Symptoms in Children
  
  Diabetes causes an increase in the level of blood sugar, due to inability of the body cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. This can manifest in several diabetes symptoms in infants and children. Generally, most of the symptoms of diabetes in children resemble those observed in their adult counterparts. However, a few additional symptoms like, behavioral changes and headaches have been found in children only. Some of the most common diabetes symptoms in babies and children are:
  Excessive thirst
  Frequent urination
  Excessive hunger
  Fatigue
  Unexplained weight loss
  Blurred vision
  Nausea and vomiting
  Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
  Irritability or behavioral problems
  Headache
  Abdominal pain
  Delayed healing of cuts and sores
  Chronic diaper rash
  Frequent Infections
   
• Diagnosis and Treatment for Diabetes in Children
  Diabetes is usually diagnosed with the help of urine analysis, oral glucose tolerance test, fasting blood glucose level test and non-fasting blood glucose level test. Treatment for diabetes combines both insulin treatment and lifestyle modifications. In the initial stage, only a small dose of insulin is administered. But, then the dose is increased gradually, as the child grows. Generally, fast-acting insulin is given in the day time, while low-acting dose is administered during the night.
  
  Treatment is always followed by regular monitoring of the blood glucose level. Apart from insulin, physicians may also prescribe certain other medications, after completely evaluating the condition. In addition to proper diabetes treatment, effective management of the condition requires certain dietary changes such as, including high amount of fiber, fruits and vegetables, and cutting down the amount of sugars and animal fats in the diet. Similarly, physical activities or exercises can also play an important role in the management of juvenile diabetes. A physician can help the parents to find out what kind of exercises and diet would be ideal for their diabetic children. Know more about diabetic diet.
  
  Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to diabetic acidosis, due to an accumulation of ketones in the body. This can occur, when the body cells are unable to absorb and utilize glucose for energy production, and therefore, use fats for that purpose. Breaking down fat generates ketones as a byproduct, which if accumulated in a large amount can increase the acidity of the blood and the other tissues of the body. If left untreated, diabetic acidosis can lead to serious consequences. For the parents, knowledge about diabetes symptoms in children is, therefore, of utmost importance to prevent such complications, and ensure early diagnosis of the condition.

Diabetes Symptoms in Men

Diabetes Symptoms in Men

Though diabetes can produce a number of symptoms, many of the early signs of diabetes can look quite similar to the symptoms of certain other health conditions. This can make it difficult to recognize this condition. But, it is important to identify and treat diabetes early, as untreated diabetes can lead to some serious health complications. Knowledge about the symptoms of diabetes is immensely important for preventing such complications. The symptoms of diabetes in men are explained below.

Excessive Thirst and Urination
Excessive thirst and urination are considered as some of the most common diabetes symptoms. Both men and women with diabetes can experience frequent urination or 'polyuria' and excessive thirst or 'polydipsia'. Frequent urination is caused by a high level of glucose, which adversely affects the filtering capacity of the kidneys. The kidneys start to draw more water from blood, as a result of which the affected person experiences an increase in the frequency of urination. Frequent urination causes the loss of excess fluid from the body or dehydration, which manifests in increased thirst.

Unusual Weight Loss and Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss is another symptom of diabetes in both men and women. Weight loss can result due to the fact that, in diabetes the body cells fail to absorb and utilize glucose from the bloodstream effectively. The cells of the body need glucose to produce energy and so, an inability to absorb glucose can also result in unusual fatigue.

Increase in Appetite
Diabetic patients experience constant hunger or an increase in appetite, if the body produces a high level of insulin in an attempt to bring down the level of blood sugar. Presence of a high level of insulin in the body can increase hunger, for which some diabetic patients can start eating more. An increase in appetite can sometimes result in weight gain. However, some individuals with diabetes can lose weight in spite of eating more than usual.

Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is one of the most important diabetes symptoms in women and men. Nerves, especially the nerves of the peripheral nervous system can be damaged by consistently high levels of glucose. This is termed as diabetic neuropathy. Damage to the peripheral nervous system can manifest in tingling and numbness in legs, feet, hands and the fingers and toes.

Recurrent Infection and Slow Healing of Wounds
A high level of blood sugar can also slow down the healing of wounds. Along with this, some men with diabetes can get recurrent infections. These two are considered as the warning signs of diabetes or a high level of blood sugar.

Vision Changes
Blurred vision or vision changes can be a common complaint among individuals with high blood sugar level. When the level of blood sugar is consistently high, sugar can accumulate in the lens of the eye and damage the blood vessels of the retina. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy, which if left untreated can lead to blindness.

Erectile Dysfunction
An important symptom of diabetes observed in men is erectile dysfunction. Diabetes and a high level of blood glucose can slowly damage the nerves and the blood vessels of the penis. This eventually can lead to erectile dysfunction.

Other Symptoms
Apart from the above mentioned symptoms, a few additional diabetes symptoms can be observed in some individuals. These symptoms include, dry mouth, headaches, swollen, red and tender gums and development of dark skin patches on the neck, armpit and the groin (acanthosis nigricans).

Diabetes Symptoms in Women

Diabetes Symptoms in Women

 
 Though diabetes symptoms in men and women are mostly the same, there are a few which occur only in women. Let us take a look at some of the signs and symptoms of diabetes in women.

• Unexplained weight loss is one of the common type 1 diabetes symptoms in women. With this type of diabetes, the body is unable to use all the calories that the food provides, even though the person follows a healthy diet. Due to this, the person loses weight, even without trying to do so.
  Another symptom that is seen in both types of diabetes is the feeling the need to visit the washroom frequently. The body tries to get rid of the excess sugar through the urine and hence, one feels the need to urinate within very short periods of time.
  As excessive urination not only eliminates the extra sugar present in the body, but also large amounts of water, the individual may suffer from the problem of dehydration. Due to this, she may experience excessive thirst and urination throughout the day which is another symptom of diabetes in women.
  One of the typical type 2 diabetes symptoms in women is excessive eating i.e. polyphagia. When a person has this type of diabetes, the level of insulin is very high in the body. As insulin aids in stimulating hunger, too much of insulin in the body may make the person feel hungry and also make her eat more.
  Another symptom of diabetes that is seen in women is the occurrence of skin infections as well as vaginal yeast infection. Diabetic women may also experience urinary tract infections very frequently.
  Sexual dysfunction is also observed as a common symptom of diabetes in women. It is said that diabetic women may experience pain or discomfort while indulging in sexual intercourse, reduced vaginal sensitivity and vaginal lubrication, as well as an inability to achieve orgasm.
  Apart from these physical symptoms, some psychological symptoms may also be seen in women affected by diabetes. They may experience extreme lethargy, agitation and sometimes may also feel irritable without any reason.
  In case of gestational diabetes, no overt sign may occur. However, if a pregnant woman has high blood pressure, there are chances that she is suffering from gestational diabetes.
• 
  These are some of the diabetes symptoms in women. Though most women experience these symptoms when they have diabetes, in many cases, people suffering from type II diabetes, do not experience any symptoms for several years. Many times, type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when a serious health problem like heart attack, vision problems, etc. arises. Hence, it is important for every woman to get herself checked for diabetes regularly after the age of 40. Early detection of diabetes will ensure that the individual gets proper treatment to control blood sugar level, thus preventing any major complications connected to this disease.