Monday, December 17, 2012

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is caused by a problem with the immune system. You cannot prevent it by adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, or living a healthy lifestyle. There is currently no cure.
A body that isn't affected by Type 1 diabetes has hormones that will keep blood glucose within a healthy range. Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose to move from the bloodstream into the cells, which can then be used for energy. Someone with Type 1 diabetes will not have enough insulin or insulin at all, meaning that blood glucose will rise or fall outside of the normal levels. When blood glucose becomes too high the body will do whatever it can to try and remove the excess glucose from the blood.
A person with Type 1 diabetes may then experience the following:
  • A need to go to the bathroom more- a body with Type 1 diabetes will try to get rid of the excess glucose through urine. 
  • A need to drink more- if you're going to the bathroom more, you'll become more thirsty.
  • Becoming tired quicker- Type 1 diabetes stops cells getting the energy they need, leading to people affected by the condition becoming exhausted.
  • Weight loss- the body compensates for the lack of energy by breaking down fat stores.
  • A build of up ketones- if the body continues to operate like this toxic ketones will build up in the body. This causes the breath to smell ketotic (like pear drops). More seriously, they cause stomach pain and eventually a loss of consciousness and even death.
The common signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are:
  • More frequent urination.
  • Increased thirst.
  • Tiredness.
  • Weight loss.
  • Ketones.
While it can take years for damage to insulin-producing cells in the pancreas to eventually lead to Type 1 diabetes, the onset of Type 1 diabetes symptoms is rapid, happening over a matter of days and weeks rather than months. If you or someone you know experiences the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes you must seek medical treatment immediately.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
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