Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, previously called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes, occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin for your body. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to help blood sugar enter the cells inside your body to use as energy (CDC, 2022). If your body does not have enough insulin, blood sugar is unable to get into the cells and begins building up inside the bloodstream. This can lead to serious health conditions and damage to your body. Type 1 diabetes is more prevalent in children, teens, and young adults, but can happen at any age (CDC, 2022). While type 1 is less common than type 2, it is still a serious uncurable condition that can be managed by following your health providers instructions and managing your blood sugar levels. 

This type of diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction (CDC, 2022). When the cells in your pancreas that create insulin are destroyed, your body no longer produces the correct amount of insulin. While some may be born with certain genes that make them more likely to develop type 1 diabetes, this does not mean that they are prone to get this condition. 

Symptoms for type 1 diabetes can occur within a few weeks or months, it is all dependent on the individual. Symptoms include thirst, excessive hunger, fatigue, blurry vision, weight loss, numbness, and the need to urinate often (ADA, n.d.). If you think you may be struggling with type 1 diabetes symptoms, don’t wait, schedule an appointment with your provider to get clarification on your symptoms. A simple blood test will be taken to determine whether you have diabetes. 

Managing diabetes can be difficult. It is important to regularly go to the doctors to check your health, foot conditions, teeth conditions, and eye health. Daily insulin shots should be given to maintain your health along with regularly checking your blood sugar levels. Talk to your provider about what your blood sugar target should be. Other important aspects to managing diabetes are healthy eating habits, physical activity, controlling your blood pressure, and controlling your cholesterol (CDC, 2022). Keep up on routine visits with your health team and work to better your health to minimize the impact of diabetes in your daily life. 

Complications can arise from mismanaging your diabetes. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a complication from type 1 diabetes that happens quickly and can result in serious harm. This can be caused by too much insulin in the body, not eating enough, waiting too long for food, or overdoing it physically (CDC, 2022). Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication from type 1 diabetes that can be caused by missing insulin shots or illness (CDC, 2022) This complication is life threatening and occurs when your body does not have enough insulin to properly allow blood sugar into your cells. 

If you or a loved one are dealing with diabetes or have similar symptoms, call a NEW Health provider today to update your treatment plan, get testing, and find out what is best for you. Call (509) 935-6004 today to schedule an appointment. 

Sources 

ADA. (n.d.). Type 1 Diabetes – Symptoms. American Diabetes Association. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://diabetes.org/diabetes/type-1/symptoms 

CDC. (2022, March 11). What is Type 1 Diabetes? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/what-is-type-1-diabetes.html