Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Q - What is Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A - This is the type of diabetes that people get when their pancreas can no longer produce insulin. Insulin makes it possible for the cells of our body to absorb the glucose they require for energy. In the absence of insulin, our cells will not be able to absorb glucose, won't be able to generate enough energy and won't be able to function well. In addition, the extra glucose that is not absorbed from the blood can have some bad effects.
Q - Who does it affect?
A - Type 1 Diabetes is less common than Type 2 . It is seen mostly in children and young adults below the age of forty (40years) and people who have other autoimmune diseases.
An auto immune disease is a disease in which the body produces antibodies to fight against itself. A few examples are pernicious anaemia, chronic active hepatitis, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Type 1 DM.
Q - What is the cause?
A - The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is not known yet.
It is regarded as an auto immune disease. In this case the body produces antibodies to destroy the "islet cells" of the pancreas which produce insulin. Why the body makes these abnormal antibodies, and why some people produce them while others don't, are the subjects of ongoing research. We hope to know someday.
Q - What are the signs and symptoms?
A - The common symptoms noticed include excessive thirst, drinking a lot of water, frequent passing of urine, frequent eating, and weight loss. If you notice 2 or more of these, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
Q - How is it treated?
A - People with Type 1 Dm are treated with insulin to help them regulate their blood glucose level. Insulin is given in the form of injections, infusions or inhalers. Your doctor will help you decide on which is best for you.
To get the best out of your treatment, you will have to make some dietary modifications to reflect healthier eating habits. Learn more about Diabetes treatment here.
Q - What complications can develop from it?
A - If it isn't recognized early or if it isn't treated well, type 1 diabetes can cause some very bad complications. One very notorious complication which is unique to it is DKA. DKA means Diabetic Keto-Acidosis. It is a very serious condition that can lead to death if not handled properly.
Other complications people with this type of DM get are kidney disease, blindness, hypertension, and sexual dysfunction.
Q - Can it be prevented?
A - At this time (time of writing), there is no conclusive evidence that Type 1 diabetes can be prevented.
However studies done have shown that it's possible to reduce the risk or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes in those who are predisposed to developing it. Click to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes.
Created - May, 2006
More Information
Links to more info on Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus Q & A
