What is type 1 diabetes mellitus?

Type 1 diabetes is a disorder that occurs when your body produces little or no insulin.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. (The pancreas is the large gland that lies behind the stomach.) When you digest food, your body breaks down much of the food into sugar (glucose). Your blood carries the sugar to the cells of your body for energy. Insulin helps the sugar enter the cells and controls the level of sugar in your blood. When your body does not have enough insulin, the cells of your body do not absorb enough sugar from your blood. When you have too much sugar in your blood, many problems begin to occur. These problems can be life-threatening if they are not treated. However, with treatment, your blood sugar level can be controlled.

Type 1 diabetes also used to be called insulin-dependent diabetes. This type of diabetes usually develops in childhood or early adulthood.

How does it occur?

Type 1 diabetes occurs when most of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas have been destroyed. Usually the cause of this type of diabetes is not known. Sometimes the diabetes is the result of a viral infection or injury of the pancreas. It may also result from an immune system disorder.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may develop suddenly, or gradually over days to weeks. Symptoms vary widely from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• increased urination

• excessive thirst, dry mouth, and the drinking of a lot of fluids

• increased appetite or loss of appetite

• visible weight loss from loss of body fluids

• muscle wasting

• loss of fat

• blurred vision

• skin infections

• vaginal infections

• tiredness

• abnormal feelings of prickling, burning, or itching of the skin, usually on the hands or feet.

If diabetes is not treated, serious complications can occur.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider will ask about your medical history and your symptoms and will give you a physical exam. He or she will order blood tests and may also test a sample of your urine.

How is it treated?

Giving your body more insulin is the primary treatment for type 1 diabetes. In addition you will learn how to control your blood sugar through diet and exercise. The goal is for you to be able to lead as normal a life as possible.

• Insulin therapy

  You will be put on insulin as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed. (You will begin to regulate your diet at the same time.) Your blood sugar level must be checked every day to make sure you get the right dosage of insulin. If you have too much or too little sugar in your blood, you will need to change your diet or the amount of insulin you are taking to keep your blood sugar at a normal, healthy level.

  If the insulin seems not to be working, your health care provider will check for the following:

  • a change in your work habits or level of exercise

  • another medical problem, such as infection

  • improper technique of insulin injection

  • improperly stored insulin

  • failure to follow your diet

  • interaction of the insulin with another medication you are taking.
• Diet

  The main goal of your diet is to maintain a normal blood sugar level. You will be given guidelines about which foods you should eat and how many calories you should eat each day. The number of calories you are allowed is determined by whether you need to maintain, lose, or gain weight. You will also learn how to space your meals so you avoid going too long without food.

  Your health care provider may refer you to a dietitian for help with diet planning and meal management. A dietitian can help you with a meal plan that fits your lifestyle. Your prescribed diet will include a lot of carbohydrates (such as pasta, breads, cereals), especially foods with high fiber. Sugar-rich foods, such as soft drinks, candy, and desserts will be decreased.

• Exercise

  Exercise is very important. A good activity plan can help control your blood sugar level. Talk to your health care provider about making an activity plan for you.

• Education

  There is a lot you will need to learn. You should attend diabetes classes or talk to your health care provider about how you can learn all you need to know. Check with your provider, the local American Diabetes Association, hospital, or health department about classes in your area.

How long will the effects last?

Insulin-dependent diabetes is a lifelong condition. Its symptoms increase or lessen, depending on your response to treatment and the level of control you maintain.

How can I take care of myself?

Learn about diabetes and its complications so you can make the correct decisions to control your glucose levels. Many hospitals have diabetes educators and dietitians who can help you. Ask your health care provider to refer you to these people.

Taking good care of yourself to avoid complications is especially important with diabetes. Possible diabetic complications include heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure. Carefully controlling your blood sugar can delay and possibly prevent these complications.

Guidelines for eating:

• Choose foods high in complex carbohydrates and low in saturated fats. Read labels.

• Use a scale to weigh correct portions of food until you are able to judge by sight.

• Eat at regular meal and snack times.

• Distribute your total calories evenly throughout the day.

• Time your meals to balance peak insulin effects and scheduled activities.

• When you increase your activity, eat more or decrease the insulin you are taking to prevent low blood sugar.

• Learn how to make proper food choices when you eat out.

• Ask for diabetic meals when you travel (for example, in hotels and on planes). Order your meals ahead of time.

Guidelines for managing calories:

• Avoid compulsive eating.

• Drink water or other noncaloric drinks when you feel an urge to eat between meals.

• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

• Buy only the types of food allowed by your diet.

• Eat on a regular schedule.

• Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.

Guidelines for managing insulin:

• Follow your health care provider's instructions for giving yourself injections of insulin.

• Ask your health care provider what causes low blood sugar and what to do when you have low blood sugar.

• Know when and how to test your blood.

• Follow your health care provider's instructions for adjusting your insulin dosage according to the results of blood tests.

• Carry a some form of sugar at all times, so you can treat low blood sugar quickly.

• Carry a protein snack, such as cheese and crackers, to make sure you eat as often as you should.

Guidelines for seeing your health care provider:

• Follow your health care provider's recommendations for frequent follow-up visits until your diabetes is under good control.

• When your diabetes is under control, see your health care provider every 3 to 6 months.

• Be sure to have an eye exam every year.

Other guidelines for managing diabetes:

• Learn how to do proper skin and foot care every day.

• Exercise regularly. Exercise helps the insulin do its job better.

• Carry medicine for diarrhea when you travel.

• Carry identification (such as a card or bracelet) that says you have diabetes, in case of an emergency.

You can get diabetic cookbooks and written information about diabetes from:

The American Diabetes Association
1660 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

1-800-DIABETES, 1-800-342-2383

http://www.diabetes.org

Can I help prevent type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. However, many of the problems associated with the disease can be eliminated or reduced if you:

• Follow the guidelines your health care provider gives you.

• Learn how to inject insulin correctly, including where to inject it.

• Learn how to test your blood sugar.

• Know when to adjust your medication.

• Stop smoking.

• Have other medical problems treated, especially high blood pressure.

• Keep your appointments with your health care provider.

• Call your health care provider if you have any questions or changes in any of your tests.