Type 1 Diabetes

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1, earlier known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus. People with this type of diabetes make little or no insulin in their body, and need regular insulin injections for survival and management of diabetes. It usually starts in childhood, but can occur at any age. 

What are the symptoms?

• Increased thirst
• Frequency of Urine
• Extreme tiredness
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Genital itching or regular episodes UTI
• Slow healing of wounds
• Excessive hunger

What is the treatment?

Type 1 needs treatment with insulin injections to replace the insulin that is not produced in the body. There are several types of insulin available. The most commonly used are the genetically engineered that are similar to human insulin. The difference in the various types of insulin is the times at which they "peak" or are most effective. Insulin schedule depends upon the meal pattern of the individual. This is required to avoid low blood glucose levels, causing hypoglycaemia. Insulin is administered with a syringe, and newer devices such as insulin pens and insulin pumps. The latter devices control diabetes more efficiently.

What is the homecare treatment?

You need to plan your exercise schedule to balance both the food intake and insulin dose. Before beginning to exercise, test your blood sugar, if possible. The results of the test will tell you if there is a need to adjust your insulin dose or to eat a snack. This will prevent hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels).

If your blood sugar levels are very high and at the same time urine test shows the presence of ketone bodies, it may indicate that there is very less amount of insulin available for activity. Exercise at this time may be harmful as it may result in increased levels of both blood sugar and ketone levels.

In case of type I diabetes, there are also higher chances of hypoglycaemia at night. A preventive measure for this is to exercise in the morning after breakfast and not to exercise before bed.