Diabetes: A Closer Look
Type 1 Diabetes: An Overview
Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose, or sugar, get from the blood into the cells for energy. Without insulin, the body cannot use glucose for energy and blood sugar levels rise.
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can develop at any age. It is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed that the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Once these cells are destroyed, the body can no longer produce insulin.
Managing Type 1 Diabetes
There is no cure for type 1 diabetes, but it can be managed with a combination of insulin therapy, diet, and exercise. Insulin therapy is the cornerstone of treatment and involves taking insulin injections or using an insulin pump to deliver insulin to the body. Diet and exercise are also important in managing blood sugar levels.
Insulin Therapy
Insulin therapy is essential for people with type 1 diabetes. Insulin injections or an insulin pump can be used to deliver insulin to the body. The type of insulin used and the dosage will vary depending on the individual.
Insulin injections are usually given several times a day. The most common types of insulin injections are regular insulin, which works quickly but lasts for a short time, and long-acting insulin, which works slowly but lasts for a longer period of time.
An insulin pump is a device that delivers insulin continuously through a small tube inserted under the skin. Insulin pumps can be programmed to deliver different amounts of insulin at different times of the day.
Diet
Diet is an important part of managing type 1 diabetes. Eating a healthy diet can help to keep blood sugar levels stable and prevent complications. A healthy diet for people with type 1 diabetes includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also includes lean protein and low-fat dairy products.
Exercise
Exercise is another important part of managing type 1 diabetes. Exercise can help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It is important to talk to a doctor before starting an exercise program, as exercise can sometimes cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.
Health Care for People with Type 1 Diabetes
People with type 1 diabetes need regular medical care to manage their condition. This care includes regular check-ups with a doctor or diabetes educator, as well as blood tests to monitor blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes may also need to see other specialists, such as an eye doctor or a kidney doctor, to screen for and treat complications.
World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day is celebrated on November 14th each year. The day is dedicated to raising awareness of diabetes and promoting prevention and management of the disease. World Diabetes Day was first established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The day is now recognized in more than 160 countries around the world.
