Considered to be a rather uncommon condition, Type I diabetes affects nearly one out of every 250 people, both adults and young, living in the USA today. Although the designation “juvenile” has long been associated with this type of the disease, as in Type I juvenile onset diabetes, the condition may actually occur at any time in life, and appears equally among both boys and girls.
There are many hundreds things that can go wrong with your body. Consider this short list:
11 beta hydroxylase deficiency – Acquired prothrombin deficiency – Finnish type amyloidosis – Gastric Dumping Syndrome – 18-Hydroxylase deficiency – Exudative retinopathy familial, X linked, recessive – Cholangiocarcinoma – Bulbospinal amyotrophy, X-linked – Enetophobia – Felty’s Syndrome – Adrenocortical carcinoma – Enchondromatosis (benign)
Fortunately, even most doctors have not heard of some of these. But even though it is considered fairly uncommon, you probably know someone with Type I Diabetes.
Symptoms
While the signs and symptoms of Type I diabetes tend to be subtle in most cases, if not treated, they will with time become really severe. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Blurry vision – Nausea – Increased hunger, even just after eating – Heavy or labored breathing for no apparent reason – Increased thirst
Several serious signs associated with Type I diabetes that mandate an urgent need for medical attention may include:
Abdominal pain Loss of consciousness, rarely in extreme cases Rapid breathing and heart rate Shaking, trembling Confusion Fruity or sweet smelling breath
Causes
Scientists still aren’t aware of some of the factors leading one to have Type I diabetes, although they do know that a susceptibility to the condition may be genetic. Researchers have discovered that this form of diabetes may also be caused by something in the environment that causes a problematic reaction within the immune system. But, they are not sure as to the origin of these possible triggers.
Diagnosis
For an accurate diagnosis of Type I diabetes, a family doctor must check for high blood sugar levels by performing a blood test, or also testing for the presence of glucose in the urine. Today, there is no way to test for a tendency for Type I diabetes, or a way to prevent one from developing this type of diabetes.
Treatment
There are many people, of all ages, who enjoy long, quite healthy lives despite having Type I diabetes. It’s imperative to keep blood sugar levels within their normal range, which may be achieved by following the right diabetic menu plan, sufficient exercise, and the correct insulin therapy on a regular basis. Anyone with this form of the disease must have insulin injections in order to properly maintain their blood sugar level, which will also have to be tested regularly.
Without treatment, Type I diabetes may cause several serious conditions, some of which may be life-threatening. Kidney damage is a common complication in those with the disease with a condition known as nephropathy. Other possible complications include retinopathy, which causes a loss of vision, poor blood circulation, nerve damage, heart diseaseand stomach problems which may also result without medical treatment.
Although a serious condition, juvenile onset diabetes is a problem that can still be successfully managed with the right medical care.
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Fri, Feb 6, 2009
diabetes