Type 1 Diabetes
Introduction
Type 1 diabetes known commonly as T1D is a type of mellitus diabetes where the pancreas is unable to produce hormone insulin which enables individuals generate energy from the food eaten. It was previously referred to as juvenile diabetes since it is common in young adults as well as children. A good percentage of Americans live with this condition with an approximation of three million infected people. Beta cells located at the pancreas are the key producers of hormone increase which are destroyed by T1D. It is a long term illness since it remains incurable and is not preventable especially in kids who are not even exposed to unhealthy lifestyles. T1D mainly affects children, teenagers and the youths where uncontrolled amounts of glucose are present in the blood. It is a chronic condition where most children born with it live with the disease. The causes are not very clear thus prevention becomes impossible. Less than 5% people having diabetes suffer from T1D. Many people especially kids have leant methods of living with this condition through use of insulin therapy, exercises and health eating habits. Exercises are encouraged to people suffering from this dangerous condition. This type of disease has is associated with generic factors and conditions. It is commonly viewed as an inherited condition but it is not yet proved scientifically. This essay will discuss the causes, problems associated with this condition, possible solutions and healthy living lifestyles for people living with this condition. It will also outline the symptoms and signs, best solutions, and discuss unhealthy lifestyles for people living with the condition and ways of treating T1D.
Symptoms and signs of Type 1 Diabetes
There are many symptoms associated with this kind of condition. A continuous feeling of thirst is one key sign. Frequent urination is a sign associated with this kind of condition. Increased weight and hunger as well as reduced weight in some people are also other signs to watch out especially in kids. Loss as well as increase of appetite is another sign associated with this condition. Poor vision is associated with this kind of condition (Levy, 2011, p.211). Most people who think they have the condition have heavy breathing and a bad odor in the breath. Drying of the skin and vomiting are some other signs. Other people can fall unconscious as a result of this disease. These are the most important signs for parents to watch out in order to maintain the health of their children. Once someone experiences these signs seeking medical attention from a doctor is the best solution in order for treatment process to begin.
Causes of Type 1 Diabetes
One of the causes is genetic factors. Children are the risk of developing diabetes if their mothers, fathers and siblings suffer from this condition. A child is more likely to suffer diabetes by 10% if the father and the siblings suffer from the condition. If the mother is suffering from the disease the percentage of a child contacting the disease is 4% showing that mothers are not likely to cause diabetes to the children. It is therefore viewed as being inherited as a result of the genetic make up which is of cause unavoidable. The second cause of the condition is due to environmental conditions and factors (Sperling, 2003, p.91). There are countries where living there will increase the risk of contacting the disease especially in Europe countries. Some people do not inherit it genetically but it is triggered by environmental factors since some places are prone to the disease than others. People migrating to some parts of Europe might contact the disease since they are not well adapted to that environment and thus the immune system is weakened. The next cause of T1D is exposure to certain dangerous viruses. Some virus might damage the beta cells thus infecting them with those dangerous viruses (Platt et al, p.344). When the beta cells in the pancreas are attacked they reduce the hormone insulin which results to the condition. The viruses’ damage beta cells though some people do not actually suffer even when the beta cells are damaged but genetic factors trigger the condition and one suffered from the disease. Diet is also a major contributing factor of T1D disease. When a child is not breastfeed as required by medical doctors, the child suffers low immunity system and is at a high chance of getting the disease. The child being exposed to unhygienic and unhealthy living standards makes the child’s immune system to remain poor thus triggering this kind of disease. Children should be well breastfed and taken care of which will avoid such unhealthy conditions and chronic disorders.
T1D is a condition mainly suffered by children since many parents expose them to unhealthy environments and neglect them at an early age where children require extra care and medical attention (Platt et al, p.344). T1D is mostly inherited thus parents should take their children to seek medical care at an early age. The next cause of the type 1 diabetes is exposure to chemicals and dangerous drugs. Some drugs are seen to cause harm to the beta cells as well as other cells in the pancreas. Pyrinuron is an example of an insecticide which causes harm to the pancreatic beta cells when one is exposed to it intentionally or accidentally and the results are low insulin production which causes T1D. Zanosar is an example of a chemical used in pancreatic therapy for patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. This chemical was banned in several United States but it is still used in some countries (Platt et al, p.344). This chemical cause harms to the pancreatic beta cells which results to the type 1 diabetes. The damage of beta cells results to reduced insulin production which is the major cause of type 1 diabetes. There are other pancreatic infections such as traumas and tumors which results to low insulin production thereby triggering the type 1 diabetes.
Problems associated with Type 1 Diabetes
It causes severe body damages. The increased amount of glucose level in the blood causes damage to the nerve system. It also damages blood vessels taking blood to the kidney, heart and the eyes which results to poor vision and later total blindness. The damage of blood vessels can result to destruction of artery vessels which can cause stroke, heart failure and a heart attack. Heart attacks and failure result can lead to deaths which should be avoided especially in small kids. It causes vomiting, diarrhea and constipation as part of short term effects of nerve cell damages located in the digestive system. Another problem associate with T1D is kidney diseases and infections (Rubin, 2013, P.112). T1D cause the blockage of small blood vessels in the kidney thereby causing the kidney to work less competent. This causes long term effects such as kidney failure which requires medical treatment in order to treat the infected kidneys. T1D is a leading contributor to kidney diseases and infections which eventually results to death. Foot complications and problems are some outcomes of type 1 diabetes. The nerves taking blood to the foot are damaged causing cuts and food ulcers (Rubin, 2013, P.112). In given 1O people suffering from T1D, one person suffers from the foot ulcers which results to complicated health problems. People whose nerves at the feet are damaged are advised to visit their doctors frequently in order to avoid severe feet complications and infections. Feet examination is mandatory for people suffering from T1D in order to avoid severe foot complicated infections.
Skin infections and complications are rampant in people living with diabetes. The skin becomes rough and dry especially in young children as a result of the fungal and related bacteria infections. As a result of unhygienic exposure, gum disease is likely to occur as a result of type 1 diabetes. Osteoporosis is also a condition associated with T1D where weak bones are formed instead of strong and supportive bones. Another major problem is complications during pregnancy (Herrath, 2001, p.87). Increase in blood sugars is dangerous to both the infant and the mother. Failure to control T1D leads to still births, increase cases of miscarriages and defects on the born babies. Diabetic ketoacidosis is triggered by uncontrolled T1D especially in mothers. Mothers develop sight problems and high blood pressure during pregnancy which is dangerous and can lead to death of both the mother and the baby (Herrath, 2001, p.87). T1D is also associated with hearing complications. People suffering from T1D experience hearing problems which is a short term effect of this disease. Uncontrolled type 1 diabetes causes body damages and lastly results to death of infected individuals.
Type 1 diabetes results to depression which causes more complications to the disease. Hyperglycemia is increased in patients with diabetes who are depressed. Eye complications are rampant with this type of diabetes (Hanas, 2009, p.134). It is a leading factor for causes of blindness especially in people suffering from the disease. Retinopathy is the major eye infection caused by T1D where the retina is severely damaged. Cataracts and glaucoma are risk factors associated with this kind of disease (Hanas, 2009, p.134). Blood vessels and capillaries are destroyed which causes damages to the retina since blood clots. This results to poor sight which in turn leads to permanent blindness.
Solutions to people living with Type 1 Diabetes
Insulin treatment is one solution provided to people living with diabetes since there is not yet a cure for this type of diabetes. Insulin treatment is necessary in order to regulate amount of insulin and make it enough for the body to use. Different preparations are used in insulin control and regulations which are capable of lasting for long hours but are necessary in people living with T1D. Insulin injections are commonly used instead of injections to enable them get in to the blood stream fast (Hanas, 2007, p.265). Tablets can easily be digested in the stomach that is why medical doctors advocate for insulin injections. People are taught how to inject themselves and various methods of disposing those needles. Injections are injected two or four times daily depending on the prescription given by the doctor. Insulin pump therapy is another solution to control T1D as prescribed by medical doctors. An insulin pump is a small device used to hold insulin in the body (Hanas, 2007, p.265). The pump is placed in the body which controls the amount of insulin to the required levels. It is an alternative method of controlling insulin instead of using injections. The patients is taught on how to close check the amount of insulin in the body when using the pump and often going for medical checkups to ensure that the insulin is well controlled. The insulin pump is well used by children as well as adults and teenagers. It is used and appropriate for all people suffering from type 1 diabetes depending on doctors’ prescriptions (Hanas, 2007, p.265). It is most suitable for patients with low amounts of glucose in their blood since it is supposed to be regulated and balanced.
Exercises are important even to people not living with the condition. Exercises make the body remain active and healthy. It burns away the amounts of cholesterol and unwanted fats by the body. Exercises enable the body to remain with the required amounts of cholesterol and fats. Exercises are important for infected people since they reduce the level of blood pressure and control the heart bits rate. Exercises enable easier breathing by controlling the lungs. The lungs ensure that the right amount of oxygen required in the body is available. This is made possible by exercising the body regularly. Exercises reduce the depression and stress level as both the body and mind are occupied by the exercises. Exercises ensure that the body is free from other chronic diseases such as cancer, stroke, high blood pressure and heart infections and diseases. Exercises are therefore important for the body and should be performed on daily basis (Gallen, 2012, p.114). To avoid multiplication of the virus to the whole body, infected people should practice enjoyable exercises daily. Stress is also reduced through exercises. There are times when the infected person should not exercise. If the body is in pain one should not exercise because it leads to more injury. At times joints can swell, one can feel extremely tired and dizzy, and one can have sores all over the body. This are times when one should not exercises because exercising will not easy the pain. When the infected person feels tired and dizzy at the midst of the exercise, one should not continue with the exercise (Gallen, 2012, p.114). The infected person should call his doctor for treatment and examination purposes. The doctor should then recommend the appropriate exercises for the patient. Though exercises are crucial, at times the body is resistant and should not be forced because negative consequences are likely to be suffered.
Psychiatrist and psychologist should encourage infected people on ways of practicing and living healthy lives. Infected people should avoid drug abuse as this encourages depression. Alcohol and other substances should not be consumed by infected people as a way of maintaining their health status strong and for long term basis. The required dosage and medication given to the infected patients should be administered right and followed according to the doctors prescriptions (Eisenbarth, 2004, p.234). Depression should be avoided since it can result to mental illnesses. No matter the extent of T1D condition, patients’ should not suffer depression problems. The right therapy and treatment should be followed constantly. Medical checkups are needed where doctors should examine the patients to ensure that they remain healthy and can perform activities as if they are not sick. Parents are encouraged to support their children who suffer from this condition since denying them support increases cases of depression. They should be given proper medical care and support as well as education support.
People living with T1D are encouraged not to smoke. Patients should get foot check ups regularly as well as eye check ups. This reduces the chances of becoming totally blind and developing severe foot ulcers. Patients should ensure that they wear the correct type of shoes as advised by medical doctors. Patients should ensure that they visit doctors for medical check ups in order for insulin levels to be controlled which will reduce other major long term chronic illnesses.
Conclusion
From the above discussion it is evidently seen that T1D is a common condition in all people especially children. It is inherited and cause by other factors such as environmental, exposure to chemicals and harmful viruses. It cannot be prevented neither cured but can be regulated and controlled through medical advise and treatment. Eating habits could also be made healthy in order to control the T1D condition. Regulation takes time but it should be completed. T1D patients should attend guidance and counseling sessions as well as nutrition clinics in order to ensure good health. T1D is just like any other illness and infected people should not be left hopeless and isolated. With healthy diets, medical checkups and regular exercises the infected people always remain strong.
References
Eisenbarth, G. S. 2004. Immunology of type 1 diabetes. New York [u.a.], Kluwer Acad./Plenum Publ.
Gallen, I. 2012. Type 1 diabetes: clinical management of the athlete. London, Springer.
Hanas, R. 2007. Type 1 diabetes: a guide for children, adolescents, young adults - and their caregivers, everything you need to know to become an expert on your own diabetes. New York, NY, Marlowe.
Hanas, R. 2009. Type 1 diabetes in children, adolescents and young adults: how to become an expert on your own diabetes. London, Class Pub.
Herrath, M. G. V. 2001. Molecular pathology of type 1 diabetes mellitus: 10 tables. Basel [u.a.], Karger
Levy, D. 2011. Type 1 diabetes. Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Platt, E., Olshan, J. S., & Waterman, M. 2012. 100 questions & answers about your child's type 1 diabetes. Sudbury, MA, Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Rubin, A. L. 2013. Type 1 diabetes for dummies. Hoboken, N.J., John Wiley & Sons.
Sperling, M. A. 2003. Type 1 diabetes: etiology and treatment. Totowa, N.J.
