What causes type 1 diabetes?
The body makes
insulin in beta cells, which are in a part of the pancreas called the islet
(say "EYE-let") tissue. Type 1 diabetes starts because the body destroys the
beta cells. Experts don't know why this happens.
Some people have
a greater chance of getting type 1 diabetes, because they have a parent,
brother, or sister who has it. But most people with the illness don't have a
family history of it.
Other things that increase the risk of
getting type 1 diabetes are being white and having
in the blood.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of diabetes are:
- Being very thirsty.
- Urinating a
lot.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Being hungrier than
usual (sometimes).
- Blurry eyesight.
These symptoms usually appear over a few days to weeks.
Sometimes people notice symptoms after an illness, such as the flu. They may
think that the diabetes symptoms are because of the flu, so they don't seek
medical care soon enough.
If a person waits too long to get
medical care, he or she may get symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis. Symptoms of
this problem include:
- Flushed, hot, dry skin.
- Not
feeling hungry.
- Belly pain.
- Vomiting.
- A
strong, fruity breath odor.
- Fast and shallow
breathing.
- Restlessness, drowsiness, or trouble waking
up.
- Confusion.
How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed?
A doctor asks
questions about the person's health and does a physical exam. A blood test
measures the person's glucose.
Some people are diagnosed with type
1 diabetes because they have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.
How is it treated?
Treatment for type 1 diabetes
focuses on keeping blood sugar levels within a target range.
A person with type 1 diabetes needs to:
- Take insulin through daily shots or an
insulin pump.
- Eat a healthy diet that spreads
throughout the day.
- Check
blood sugar levels several times a day.
- Get regular
exercise.
When a small child has diabetes, the parents have the
responsibility for blood sugar control. As the child grows, he or she can take
over more of the diabetes care.
Treatment may change based on the
results of daily home blood sugar tests and other tests or exams.
Can type 1 diabetes be prevented?
There is no way
to prevent type 1 diabetes. But studies are being done to find ways to prevent
or delay diabetes in people who are most likely to get it.
Tight
control of blood sugar and
can help people with type 1 diabetes
prevent or delay problems with their eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and
nerves.
Frequently Asked Questions
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