Type 1 diabetes, commonly known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), typically develops before the age of 15, though it can also affect adults. The pancreatic gland, which is found behind the stomach, is involved in diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that is made by the pancreas’ unique cells, or beta cells.
There are millions of cells in the human body. For energy, all cells require glucose (sugar), which comes from our meals. The body cannot function without glucose, much as a car cannot run without gas. The “lock” that enables glucose to enter the cells is insulin. Without this secret, glucose remains in the bloodstream and cannot be used for energy by the cells. Instead, the blood glucose levels rise and overflow into the urine. The pancreas stops producing insulin when a person has type 1 diabetes. A child with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) needs to receive insulin by injection to assist the body’s cells in utilising the glucose (shot).
What happens in Type I diabetes?
Diabetes has an unknown origin. Although it is unclear how diabetes is genetically inherited (runs in families), several specialists hold this belief. Not all cases of diabetes run in families. The body misidentifies insulin-producing cells as alien organisms. These cells are then destroyed by the body. We refer to this as an auto-immune mechanism. There is currently no proven technique to prevent type 1 diabetes in children, despite the possibility that the environment may act as a trigger.
Important Facts
- Type 1 diabetes cannot be “outgrown,” but it can be managed with insulin injections, blood glucose monitoring, diet changes, and exercise
- Diabetes cannot be spread (“catching”)
- Diabetics include 14.6 million Americans
- Type 1 DM affects about 1 in 10 people with diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes, which is not insulin-dependent, is another type of the disease (NIDDM). Compared to type 1, type 2 diabetes is more common. Nearly 90% of those who develop diabetes have type 2. Historically, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) largely affected adults, but kids are now experiencing it more frequently. It has a connection to obesity. NIDDM typically begins after the age of 40. The amount of insulin that people with type 2 diabetes typically make is adequate, but their bodies don’t use it properly. Weight loss, the use of insulin, and/or oral medications may be used to control type 2
Signs of Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 frequently manifests quickly.
- Even when eating a lot of food, weight loss or inadequate weight gain can occur
- More than ordinary thirst
- Enuresis (bed wetting)
- A lot of urine
- Additional urine to normal
- Being constantly exhausted
Later Signs of Diabetes Are:
- Dry mouth and skin
- Difficult to breathe
- Acetone and sugar levels in urine will be positive
- Over 126 mg/dL is a very high blood sugar level
- Decrease in appetite
- The breath has a “fruity” smell.
- A stomach-ache
Meal Plan
Foods that support body growth, energy production, and blood sugar regulation are necessary. In accordance with your age, gender, and degree of activity, a dietitian will assist in creating a meal plan. In order to have a flexible meal plan, ask your dietitian or diabetes nurse educator how you may learn to include all food groups and how to count carbohydrates.
You and your parents will learn how to plan meals with your dietician.
Conclusion
Insulin-Dependent Insulin-producing cells are destroyed as a result of the autoimmune disease diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes mellitus type 1. Insulin is a hormone that aids in maintaining normal blood glucose levels and is necessary for the cells to use blood sugar for energy. This causes elevated blood sugar levels in the body prior to therapy. Frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, weight loss, and other dangerous problems are typical indications of this raised blood sugar. The presence of sluggish wound healing, fatigue, and blurred vision are possible additional symptoms. Symptoms often appear quickly, frequently within a few weeks.
Type 1 diabetes is thought to be brought on by a confluence of hereditary and environmental factors, however its exact aetiology is unknown.