Diabetes is a disease where the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that converts sugar, starches and other food into the energy that we all need. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although genetic and environmental factors such as obesity, diet, family history and lack of exercise appear to play roles. Approximately five to ten percent of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adult, and was previously known as Juvenile Diabetes.

Testing Procedures

To determine if someone has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, health care providers conduct a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.

After you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, your health care provider will administer an A1C test, which will provide a picture of your average blood glucose control for the past two to three months. The results will give you and your health care team an idea of how well your diabetes treatment plan is working. The amount of A1C in your blood reflects blood sugar control for the past 120 days, or the lifespan of a red blood cell.

You probably had your A1C level measured when your diabetes was diagnosed. To monitor your overall glucose control, your health care provider should measure your A1C level at least twice a year. If you change diabetes treatment or if you are not meeting your blood glucose goals, your doctor will perform this essential test more often.

Insulin

In a normal pancreas, beta cells make the hormone insulin. In type 1 diabetics, the pancreas no longer makes insulin. Insulin must be injected into the fat under the skin for it to get into your blood. Although manufacturers recommend storing your insulin in the refrigerator, injecting cold insulin may make the injection more painful. Thus, many providers suggest storing the bottle of insulin you are presently using at room temperature while refrigerating extra bottles.

Insulin Pumps

Insulin pumps are computerized devices, about the size of a pager that can be worn in a pocket or clipped onto a belt. Inside the pump is a reservoir that holds a two to three day supply of short-acting insulin. Like a regular syringe that has a plunger that's pushed to force the insulin out of the syringe, the reservoir has a plunger that's pushed by a small pump. The pump must be told exactly what to do. The wearer inputs a number code for the amount of insulin that is called for and that which is pumped into a thin, clear plastic tube that has been inserted just below the skin in the fatty tissue of the pump wearer. Using an insulin pump often gives a person with type 1 diabetes more flexibility with regard to meal planning.

Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetics need to keep their blood sugar levels as near to normal as possible. Keeping your blood glucose in your target range can help prevent or delay the start of diabetes complications such as nerve, eye, kidney and blood vessel damage. Blood glucose monitoring is the main tool you have to check your diabetes. This check tells you your blood glucose level at any one time. Keeping a log of your results is vital, as your health care provider will review this to insure that your present diet/medication is appropriate or whether adjustments to your regimen need to be made. Blood Glucose Monitors

Blood glucose meters are small computerized machines that "read" your blood glucose. With all types of meters, blood glucose levels appear as a number on a screen. Your health care provider will show you the correct way to use your meter, as there are many from which to choose. Most include a memory feature so you can store your results in the meter itself. You will have to decide on the correct meter for you based on recommendation of your health care provider, cost and ease of use and maintenance.

Blood glucose meters have been shown to be very precise. However, there are steps you need to take to insure accuracy. Your meter and strips must be at room temperature, strips must not be outdated, the meter must be calibrated for the type of strips being used and the blood sample taken must not be too small.

When you finish the blood glucose check, record your results and use them to see how food, activity and stress affect your blood glucose. Review your blood glucose record to check if your level is normal for several days in a row at about the same time.

Conditions Associated with Type 1 Diabetes

Conditions associated with type 1 diabetes include:

• Hypoglycemia is low blood glucose and can occur although you're doing all you can to manage your diabetes.
• Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is the major cause of complications for diabetics. You need to know the symptoms and treatments of this problem.
• Ketoacidosis is a serious condition where the body has higher than normal levels of ketones, acids that build up in the blood; this condition can lead to diabetic coma or death.
Complications of Type 1 Diabetes

Having type 1 diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications, including heart disease, blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage. Two out of three diabetics die from heart disease or stroke. Thus, people with diabetes must maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Diabetes can also cause eye problems that may lead to blindness. Early detection and treatment of eye problems is essential to protect your eyesight. About half of all diabetics experience some form of nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy. It is more common in those who have had the disease for a number of years. Nerves send messages to and from your brain about pain, temperature and touch. They also control body systems that digest food and pass urine. Diabetes can also damage the kidneys and cause them to fail. Failing kidneys lose their ability to filter out waste products, resulting in kidney disease. The better a person keeps their diabetes and blood pressure under control, the lower the chance of getting kidney disease.

People with diabetes can also develop problems with their feet. Foot problems most often happen when there is nerve damage, which results in loss of feeling in your feet. Poor blood flow or changes in the shape of your feet or toes may also cause problems. If you have diabetes, you must maintain good oral health. Poor blood glucose control increases the probability of gum problems.

Taking Care of Your Body

More than ever before, you need to focus on taking are of your eyes, feet, oral health and cardiovascular system. Managing these areas of your overall health, may delay or prevent the onset of dangerous type 1 diabetes complications later in your life. To optimize your health as a type 1 diabetic patient, you need to stop smoking, reduce the amount of alcohol you drink and manage your weight. You should also receive a flu shot annually since getting the flu may complicate your diabetes. You will also need to consult with your health care provider with how to manage your diabetes if you travel, especially overseas.

Although type 1 diabetes is a serious disease, with good medical care, support groups, planning and a good attitude, you can lead a long, happy, healthy and normal life.

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