Diabetes Type I

• What is diabetes?
• Cause
• Symptoms and diagnosis
• Treatment
• Long-term consequences of uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes
• Long-term outlook for diabetes if treated and controlled

The following information is drawn from the American Diabetes Association Web site (http://www.diabetes.org/).

What is diabetes?
Type I diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body uses food. In a person with Type I diabetes, the body destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the level of sugar in the blood. Type I diabetes is also called immune-mediated diabetes, and was formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes.

In Type II diabetes, once known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body cannot use it properly. We will not discuss Type II diabetes any further.

Cause:
Scientists do not know what causes Type I diabetes, but there appears to be a genetic component to the cause. Other factors also are likely to increase the risk for getting diabetes. Diabetes is not contagious.

Symptoms and diagnosis:
Signs and symptoms of diabetes are:

• high levels of sugar in the blood
• high levels of sugar in the urine
• frequent urination (and/or bed-wetting in children)
• extreme hunger
• extreme thirst
• extreme weight loss
• weakness and tiredness
• feeling edgy and having mood changes
• feeling sick to the stomach and vomiting

Treatment:
Treatment for Type I diabetes involves keeping the level of sugar in the blood as close to normal (80-120 mg/dl) as possible. Treatment usually includes:

• Insulin injections to lower blood sugar. The number of injections required depends on the individual and the type of insulin treatment used.
• A meal plan to control changes in blood sugar levels. Food raises blood sugar levels. A dietician can help develop a plan that lets the diabetic person eat the food he or she enjoys.
• Exercise to lower the blood sugar.
• Blood and urine testing to determine if the blood-sugar level is low, normal, or high. The results enable the diabetic person to modify his or her food intake, exercise, or insulin injections.

Long-term consequences of uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes:

• blindness
• kidney disease
• nerve damage leading to abnormal sensations, including pain in the hands, feet, and legs
• vascular (blood vessel) disease leading to heart disease and strokes

Long-term outlook for diabetes if treated and controlled:
People with Type I diabetes can live happy, healthy lives if they follow their treatment plan.

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