2. What is Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune
disease. Our body has its own immune system
which attacks outside invaders. With this
disease, the body’s auto immune system attacks
and destroys beta cells in the pancreas. These
cells are the ones producing insulin. When left
untreated, the amount of insulin produced will
dangerously decrease and the blood sugar level
becomes so high.
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3. What are the Symptoms?
For children, weight loss but no loss in appetite and may
begin to wet the bed. For adults, extreme thrist, frequent
urination and even vomiting. If left untreated, this may
cause weakness, confusion, coma and even death.
What are the Complications?
Kidney disease (nephropathy)
Heart and artery disease (atherosclerosis)
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Eye damage (retinopathy)
Nerve Damage (neuropathy)
Foot problems
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
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4. What is the Course of Treatment?
In order to monitor the blood sugar levels several times a
day, a blood sample is needed by pricking the finger. A
small drop of blood is placed on a test strip and within
seconds, a reading will be returned.
Treatment requires insulin injection to make up for the
insufficient insulin production of the body. Normally, it
will require 2 to 4 injections per day using the traditional
method – using a syringe. But there are also other
methods that are being used such as semiautomatic
injector pens and insulin pumps.
For a diabetic life, alongside the treatment, proper diet and
exercise is also required to help the heart and blood
vessels healthy. Consultation with a dietitian is often
advised.
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