By Marissa Miuccio

 Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy ◦ The far more common type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn’t make enough insulin.  The majority of cases this type of diabetes appears before the patient is 40 years old. That is why this type of diabetes is also known as Juvenile Diabetes

 Diabetes mellitus type one is a form of diabetes mellitus that results from the autoimmune destruction of the insulin- producing beta cells in the pancreas.  The subsequent lack of insulin leads to increase blood and urine glucose.  Untreated, Diabetes Mellitus is ultimately fatal  However the disease is treated with supplemental insulin  Patients are usually trained to manage their disease independently

 Various factors may contribute to type 1 diabetes, including genetics and exposure to certain viruses. Although type 1 diabetes typically appears during childhood and adolescence, it can also develop in adults.  Despite active research, type 1 diabetes has no cure, although it can be managed. With proper treatement, people who have type 1 diabetes can expect to live longer, healthier lives than they did in the past.

 The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown.  In most people with type 1 diabetes, the body's own immune system — which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses — mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas.  Genetics may play a role in this process, and exposure to certain viruses may trigger the disease.

 The role of insulin ◦ Once the islet cells are destroyed, you’ll produce little or no insulin. Insulin is hormone that comes from the pancreas, a gland behind and below the stomach  The pancreas secrets insulin into the blood stream  The insulin circulates, enabling sugar to enter your cells.  Insulin lowers the amount of sugar in your bloodstream.  As your blood sugar level drops, so does the secretion of insulin from your pancreas.

 The role of glucose ◦ Glucose – sugar –is a main source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues.  Glucose comes from two major sources: food and your liver  Sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it enters cells with the help of insulin  Your liver stores glucose as glycogen  When your insulin levels are low, such as when you haven’t eaten in awhile the liver converts stored glycogen into glucose to keep your glucose level at a normal range

 Type 1 diabetes signs and symptoms come on quickly and may include: ◦ Increase thirst and frequent urination ◦ Extreme hunger and thirst ◦ Weight loss ◦ Fatigue ◦ Blurred vision

 Treatment for type 1 diabetes is a lifelong commitment to: ◦ Taking insulin ◦ Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight ◦ Eating healthy foods ◦ Monitoring blood sugar  Anyone who has type 1 diabetes needs insulin therapy. Types of insulin include: ◦ Rapid-acting insulin ◦ Long-acting insulin ◦ Intermediate option

 Insulin can be administered using: ◦ A fine needle and syringe ◦ An insulin pen –a device that looks like an ink pen, except the cartridge is filled with insulin. ◦ An insulin pump – a device about the size of a cell phone worn on the outside of the body. A tube connects a reservoir of insulin to a catheter that’s inserted under the skin of your abdomen.  There is also a wireless pump option that’s available.