Type 1 diabetes

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Diabetes is a disease in which the body in unable to control the glucose level in the blood. Diabetes effects many people worldwide and is a disease which does not have any cure. Diabetes can occur due to a lack of the hormone insulin in the body, or the body’s inability to use the insulin that is being produced.
There are two main types of diabetes and they are categorized as Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Type 1diabetes is the least common type of diabetes, and it mostly affects children. This is why it is also known as Juvenile Diabetes. In this case, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin which is needed by the body to regulate the blood glucose levels. Without sufficient insulin, the patient experiences hyperglycemia, which can then result in the symptoms of diabetes.

It is believed that Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune disorder, in which the body itself starts attacking the cells which are responsible for producing insulin. This happens when the immune system of the body starts recognizing the insulin producing cells as antigen, or enemies, and starts attacking them to rid the body of these cells. There are many theories as to what actually causes the body to behave this way. Some doctors believe that it is a genetic disorder and develops at birth. Others believe the body is exposed to some virus in the early years and this affects the body negatively, leading to this autoimmune disease. In rare cases, there may be an injury to the pancreas which damages the insulin producing cells.
There are many symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, and their first onset can either be abrupt or gradual. One of the major symptoms is frequent urination, or night urination. Diabetic people also develop increased thirst, because the body becomes dehydrated when frequent urination is experienced. Many people also experience weight loss, because the body is unable to break down sugar which is then passed in the urine. This means that sugar is not absorbed by the body which can contribute to weight loss. Other symptoms include increased hunger, fatigue, and numbness in hands and feet.

There are many types of tests for diagnosing Type 1 diabetes. A blood test can show the blood glucose level, and similarly a urine test can also be done. A glucose tolerance test can also be done, in which the blood sugar levels are monitored after the patient consumes a sugary drink. Another test is the fasting test, in which blood sugar levels are monitored after the patient has fasted overnight.

If untreated, Type 1 diabetes can be a serious threat. If the blood glucose levels remain high for a long time, it can cause serious damage to the other organs in the body. It can also lead to hardening of the arteries, which can cause a heart attack. Therefore, it is imperative to treat this disease at an early stage in order to control it.