Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
Genetic/Body Condition Project
What is Diabetes? What is type 1 Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease where a person's pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, however, is most commonly diagnosed before the age of 30. The pancreas produces little or no insulin, and the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. A person must inject insulin multiple times throughout the day or use an insulin pump.
How does Type 1 Diabetes affect daily life?
People with type 1 diabetes need to check their blood sugar levels several times a day, usually before and after meals. They need to eat a balanced diet, exercise, and take the medication as proscribed by their physician.
Running
Running is a good exercise and helps the body burn up sugars.
The food pyramid
A balanced diet helps to keep the blood sugars at a normal level.
insulin shots
Insulin shots are very important component in controlling you're diabetes and preventing long term side effects.
Signs and symptoms of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes signs and symptoms occur quickly and may include:
- Increase thirst
- Frequent urination
- Bedwetting in children
- Extreme hunger
- Unintended weight loss
- Irritabilitly and other mood changes
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision
What are some long-term complications of poorly controlled type 1 diabetes?
- Neuropathy (nerve damage): causes numbness, burning, and pain to the tips of your fingers and toes.
- Nephropathy (Kindey damage)
- Retinopathy(Eye damage): Damages the blood vessels in your retina.
- Foot damage: poor blood flow to your feet
- Skin and mouth conditions
- Pregnancy complications: for both mother and baby
Is there a cure for type 1 diabetes?
As of today, there is no known cure for type 1 diabetes. However, there are many very effective treatments which helps allow a person with diabetes to live a long and healthy life. The scientists have yet to find a cure. If I were a scientist, I'd try to come up with a medication that pregnant mothers could take during their pragnancy to strengthen the baby's immune system, specifcally the pancreas.
Other Interesting facts about type 1 diabetes?
- 29.1 million people in the United States have type 1 diabetes.
- 8.1 million people in the Unites States are undiagnosed.
- only 5% of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
- The cost of diagnosed diabetes in 2012 was 245 Billion dollars.
- The average person with diabetes spends about 3,000 dollars per year to control it.
Living with Diabetes: Molly