An Introduction to Type 1 Diabetes: The facts you should know

Traditionally considered to be a rather uncommon illness, Type I diabetes affects just about one out of every 250 people, both adults and children, living in the US today. Although "juvenile" has long been the appellation of this type of the disease, as in Type I juvenile onset diabetes, the problem may actually occur at any age, and appears equally among both women and men.

There are innumerable things that can go wrong with your body. Consider this short list:

11 beta hydroxylase deficiency - Arakawa's syndrome II - Andre syndrome - Aase Smith syndrome - Caffey disease - 3m syndrome - Addiction - Ebola hemorrhagic fever - Anophthalmia esophageal atresia cryptorchidism - Complex regional pain syndrome - Alveolar echinococcosis

Fortunately, even most doctors have not heard of some of these. But even though it is considered fairly uncommon, you probably know someone with insulin dependend diabetes.

Symptoms

While the signs and symptoms of Type I diabetes tend to be subtle in most cases, if not treated, they can in time become really quite severe. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Blurry vision - Dry mouth, even after drinking - Frequent urination - Heavy or labored breathing for no apparent reason - Tingling in the hands or feet - Increased thirst - Increased hunger, even just after eating

Other serious signs associated with Type I diabetes that mandate an urgent need for medical attention may include:

Abdominal pain Confusion Fruity or sweet smelling breath Loss of consciousness, rarely in extreme cases Shaking, trembling Rapid breathing and heart rate

Causes

Scientists still aren't aware of some of the factors inducing one to have Type I diabetes, but they do know that a susceptibility to the condition may be inherited from one or both parents. Researchers have discovered that this form of diabetes may also be caused by environmental factors that causes an adverse reaction within the immune system. But, they are unsure as to the exact origins of these possible triggers.

Diagnosis

For an accurate diagnosis of Type I diabetes, your doctor must check for high glucose levels by performing a blood test, or also testing for the presence of glucose or ketones in the urine. Today, there is no way to test for impending Type I diabetes, or any way to prevent this type of diabetes.

Treatment

There are many, of all ages, who enjoy long, healthy lives despite having Type I diabetes. It's imperative to keep blood sugar levels under tight control, which may be achieved by eating the right foods, getting enough exercise, and the right insulin therapy consistentlyone or more times a day. Anyone with this disease must have insulin injections in order to properly manage their glucose level, which will also have to be tested regularly.

Without treatment, Type I diabetes may cause or evolve into several serious conditions, some of which may be life-threatening. Kidney failure is a fairly frequent complication in those with the disease with a condition known as nephropathy. Other possible complications include retinopathy, which causes a loss of vision, heart disease, poor blood circulation, nerve damageand abdominal disorders which may also result without medical treatment.

Although a serious condition, juvenile onset diabetes is a condition that can still be successfully managed with the right medical care.