Keep Awareness Of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas.  Scientists believe that genetic factors as well as environmental triggers are involved in causing T1D.

About 346 million people worldwide have diabetes.  Only about 5-10% of them have Type 1 Diabetes, but that is still 17-35 million people.  Type 1 Diabetes can not be reversed or cured, there is no way to prevent it, it is not caused by eating too much sugar, diet, or exercise.  People with Type 1 Diabetes need to take insulin injections everyday or need to use an insulin pump.  Type 1 Diabetes used to be known as Juvenile Diabetes or Insulin Dependent Diabetes.  It is now only called Type 1 Diabetes because adults can be diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and sometimes people with Type 2 Diabetes take insulin.  Type 1 Diabetes needs constant attention.  Insulin is not a cure.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes:

• Sudden Onset
• 5-10% of all cases
• Requires Insulin Injections or Insulin Pump
• Pancreas makes little or no insulin (after the honeymoon phase)
• Low level of C-peptide
• Can not be prevented
• Can not be controlled through diet & exercise alone
• Autoimmune disease (the body's own immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells)

Type 2 Diabetes :

• Gradual Onset
• 90-95% of all cases
• Possible Insulin Injections, Insulin Pump, or oral medications
• Pancreas does make insulin, someone with T2 has insulin resistance
• Normal or high level of C-peptide
• Can possibly be prevented in some people
• Can possibly be controlled (not cured) through diet & exercise
• Non Autoimmune disease (T2D is caused by insulin resistance)

The honeymoon phase refers to the period of time shortly after type 1 diabetes has been diagnosed where the pancreas is still producing insulin.  This period is only temporary and varies from person to person and can last for weeks, months, or up to a year.  It is rare to last longer than 1 year.

Some people with Type 2 Diabetes may take insulin but that does not mean their Type 2 Diabetes turned into Type 1 Diabetes. The type of diabetes someone has is defined by what caused it, not how it is treated.

Signs & symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes can come on quickly can come on quickly and may include..

• Frequent urination 
• Increased thirst
• Sudden vision changes
• Fruity smelling breath
• Increased appetite
• Extreme fatigue
• Heavy, labored breathing

Dextrose brings up blood sugar very fast.Look The Faces of Type 1 Diabetes. 

Don’t spend much time thinking about your diabetes. Just focus on maintaining a healthy diabetic life, taking exercise every day, and watching your sugar levels so that you can live a fulfill life with family! Have fun with a happy childhood.