DIABETES
Diabetes type 1
¿What diabetes type 1 is ?
Diabetes occurs when your blood glucose level, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes mainly from the food you eat.
Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps blood glucose enter the cells to be used as energy. Another hormone, glucagon, works with insulin to control blood glucose levels.
In most people with type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system, which normally fights infections, attacks, and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
As a result, your pancreas stops producing insulin. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter your cells and your blood glucose increases above normal. People with type 1 diabetes need to inject insulin every day to stay alive.
Who is more likely to develop type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age. Having a parent or sibling with the disease can increase your chances of developing type 1 diabetes.
In the United States, about 5 percent of people with diabetes have type 1.
What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are serious and usually occur quickly, over a few days or weeks. Symptoms may include:
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Increased thirst and urination
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Increased hunger
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Blurred vision
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Fatigue
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Unexplained weight loss
Sometimes, the first symptoms of type 1 diabetes are signs of a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (CAD) NIH external link. Some symptoms of CAD include:
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Breath that smells fruity
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Dry or red skin
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Nausea or vomiting
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Stomachache
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Shortness of breath
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Difficulty paying attention or feeling confused
The DAC is serious and dangerous. If you or your child has symptoms of CAD, contact your health care professional right away or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
What causes type 1 diabetes?
Experts believe that type 1 diabetes is caused by genes and environmental factors, such as viruses, that can trigger the disease. Researchers are working to identify causes of type 1 diabetes through studies such as TrialNet
What health problems can people with type 1 diabetes develop?
Over time, high blood glucose level leads to problems like heart disease stroke nephropathy eye problems dental disease nerve damage foot problems depression sleep apnea
If you have type 1 diabetes, you can help prevent or delay diabetes health problems by controlling blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and by following your personal care plan.
NIDDK. [2017]. Type 1. niddk.nih.gov. Retrieved from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/information-fromthe health/diabetes/general/que-es/diabe