Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

What is type 1 diabetes?

Similar to type 2 diabetes, the definition of type 1 diabetes is high in glucose in the blood. However, what sets it apart is that in type 1 diabetes the body doesn't produce insulin at all. As for type 2 diabetes, the body is resistant to insulin. That is why patients with type 1 diabetes need additional insulin from outside.

Normally, the pancreas produces the hormone insulin to control glucose in the blood. If the pancreas is damaged, then the production of the hormone insulin will be disrupted. The food that enters the body will be digested and into the bloodstream, glucose will be bound by insulin in the blood and carry it to the cells and converted into energy.

In diabetics, energy cannot be produced because the body cannot process glucose. This happens because there is no insulin to carry glucose into the cell so glucose will accumulate in the blood.

In general, type 1 diabetes is very rare when compared to type 2 diabetes. Based on data that only 10% of people with type 1 diabetes are people in the world. Type 1 diabetes is more common in children.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are unpredictable because they appear suddenly and in just a matter of weeks the patient's condition will worsen. Although type 1 diabetes is more common in children and adolescents, it can also occur in adults. Here are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes:

1. Often feel thirsty throughout the day
2. Feeling nauseous and vomiting
3. Frequent urination at night
4. Mouth feels dry
5. Body quickly tired
6. If there are wounds on the body will be long healed
7. Often hungry and eat a lot, but weight loss.

If there are more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and decreased consciousness then immediately take it to the hospital.

Causes of type 1 diabetes

As explained above that the cause of type 1 diabetes is that the body cannot produce insulin. It is caused by autoimmune diseases or the immune system turning against healthy body cells including cells that are in the pancreas.

If the cells in the pancreas are destroyed, then insulin can no longer be produced. So glucose can not enter the cell and there is a buildup, as a result of hyperglycemia.

To date, it is not known why the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas. However, there are several factors believed to be the cause, namely:

1. Age factor. Type 1 diabetes can strike everyone and all ages. But it is more susceptible to children, to teenagers.
2. Genetic factors. The risk of developing type 1 diabetes is more likely if there are family members who also have type 1 diabetes. The family member is like a parent or relative.
3. Geographical location factor. According to the study, people who live far from the equator will be at higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes

The doctor will diagnose the patient with type 1 diabetes by conducting a series of tests. The test was conducted to measure the average blood glucose levels in the last 3 months. If the results show a high number according to existing standards, then the patient is declared to have diabetes.

Treatment of type 1 diabetes

The purpose of treatment in patients with type 1 diabetes is to normalize glucose levels in the blood to prevent complications. Glucose levels are kept in the range of 80-130mg/Dl. There are several treatment methods performed for type 1 diabetes patients

1. Artificial pancreatic system

The artificial pancreatic system is using a tool whose function is almost similar to that of the pancreatic system. The function of this artificial pancreatic system is to measure glucose levels regularly and adjust the levels of insulin injected.

2. Insulin Injection

Insulin injection can be done several times a day by injecting it into the body to get into the bloodstream. Knowledge of how to inject needles and dispose of needles properly will be taught by doctors so that patients can self-inject insulin at home.

As for some types of insulin that will be given such as insulin that works long and insulin that works quickly, the dose of injections given can be as much as 2 times a day and can also be increased to 3 to 4 injections in a day.

In general, insulin is done through injections, but in some patients, insulin can also be administered with an insulin pump. This insulin pump is the size of a mobile phone and there is already a tube that will be connected to the catheter. This catheter can also be inserted into the patient through the hips, arms, thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. The pump can be tucked in the belt or it can also be inserted into the pants pocket to make it easier for the patient to carry the pump.

The way this insulin pump works so that insulin can enter the patient's body continuously but by means of being administered little by little. Administration in this way is done to keep blood sugar levels in a normal state. During meal times, insulin levels can be increased according to carbohydrates that are again consumed.