Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by high level of sugar in the blood caused by a lack of insulin. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that helps absorbs glucose, which is an important source of energy for the body.
Individuals with Type 1 diabetes mellitus cannot produce insulin, and therefore have high blood glucose levels.
Type 1 diabetes affects about 1 in 400 children, adolescents, and young adults. It is treated by giving insulin.
What causes Type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, in which certain antibodies work against the beta pancreatic cells and prevent them from making insulin. Typically, symptoms of diabetes are seen when 90-95% of the beta pancreatic cells have stopped working due to the antibodies.
What are the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes?
If untreated, symptoms can worsen and lead to a condition called Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), for which emergent care will be required.
How is Type 1 diabetes treated?
Diabetes is treated by giving back the missing insulin. There are several ways of taking insulin:
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Multiple daily injections using syringes or pens
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Insulin pumps such as Omnipod, Tandem, and Medtronic
There are several ways of monitoring blood sugars:
A well balanced, healthy diet is essential for management of type 1 diabetes. Being physically active also helps.
Are you looking for personalized, state-of-the-art diabetes care for your child? Are you looking for a team that genuinely cares for your child and their diabetes? Are you looking for easier communication with your diabetes team? Are you looking to make living with diabetes less burdensome?
Call Dr. Nidhi Gupta at 615-857-5110 to discuss your concerns, at no obligations. Dr. Gupta has been practicing diabetology for over a decade now and takes pride in providing comprehensive, patient-centric care in her private practice, KAP Pediatric Endocrinology, in Franklin, TN.
Dr. Gupta sees patients 0-21 years old, which takes away your concern of transitioning your child’s diabetes care at age 18 years. She will continue to see them through college!