Nuffnang

Search This Blog

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

 By


Photo: medindia.net
 
Definition
Generally known as Juvenile diabetes, Type 1 diabetes can happen at any age; however, it is more common in children and adolescents. Type 1 diabetes happens because the body is either not making enough insulin or the insulin being made by the body is not being used appropriately by it, as a result the blood sugar levels in the body are extremely high.

Causes
Though the precise cause of Type 1 diabetes is yet to be found, scientists and doctors believe it is a genetic condition. Type 1 diabetes usually develops because the body's immune system destroys the insulin producing cells (beta cells) in the pancreas. Sometimes environmental infections may also lead to this condition.

Symptoms
Some of the signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes may include:
  • Weight Loss
  • Extreme thirst and hunger
  • Blurred vision
  • Frequent urination
  • Dry skin and mouth
  • Tingling sensation in your feet
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent skin infections
Diagnosis
After physical examination of a patient doctors may prescribe tests like random blood sugar test, fasting blood sugar test, glycated heamoglobin test, blood tests to check for auto-antibodies etc. to diagnose the condition.

Treatment
People suffering from Type 1 diabetes need lifelong treatment; hence it is of utmost importance that the person suffering from this condition understands everything related to the condition in detail in order to manage it effectively.
The treatment objective in Type 1 diabetes is to keep one's blood sugar level as close to normal; both high as well as extremely low levels in such case can lead to severe health complications. In order to keep the blood sugar levels under check, the following precautions need to be taken:
  • Educating the patient and caretakers regarding the condition: It is necessary that not only the person suffering from Type 1 diabetes, but also his/her close family is informed in detail on how to manage this condition. This would include how to read the symptoms, administer insulin, how to check blood sugar levels, plan nutritious meals and what to do in case of an emergency.
  • Taking Insulin: People suffering from Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin on a regular basis. The insulin prescribed could include rapid-acting insulin, long-acting insulin or a mix of the two. The insulin can be administered using a syringe, an insulin pen or an insulin-pump. In this condition insulin needs to be injected into the skin and cannot be taken orally as the stomach enzymes tend to reduce its effectiveness.
  • Monitoring blood sugar level: Blood sugar levels may change drastically because of several reasons; they can rise or fall considerably because of the food eaten, exercise performed, medication taken, consumption of alcohol or even because of stress. Drastic change in blood sugar levels can lead to several complications, hence patients need to it several times during the day, to ensure that it is neither too high nor too low. Monitoring can easily be done using a home blood sugar meter.
  • Frequent Medical Check-ups: One must visit the doctor for routine medical check-ups, as and when asked by him. This is necessary since the doctors may need to adjust the amount of insulin being given according the patient's condition. The doctors also need to examine the patient's eye, heart, kidney etc., to ensure that they are functioning properly and not being affected adversely by the fluctuating blood sugar.
  • Lifestyle Changes It is important the people suffering from Type1 diabetes understand that it is a serious condition and they need to make all efforts necessary to combat its effects. Apart from regular medical check-ups and timely administration of medicines, people suffering from this type of diabetes should pay special attention to their nutrition, should begin exercising regularly in order to keep a tab on their weight, reduce their intake of alcohol greatly as well as totally give up smoking.
About Author:
Carlodanie is an author, Educator specialized in fields of "Health" (writes so many topic on diabetes expert and Type 1 Diabetes Treatment ), "Online Marketing" and "Technology.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carlodanie_Jenne

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7620334

No comments:

Post a Comment