What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Five
to ten percent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
Those with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone
that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed
for daily life.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include intense thirst, being very tired,
urinating often, losing weight and blurred vision. If you or someone you
know is experiencing these symptoms and/or think you might have type 1
diabetes, your doctor can do a blood test to measure the amount of sugar
in your blood. This test will show if you have diabetes.
People may inherit the gene that causes type 1 diabetes. Then, something
in their environment, maybe a virus, maybe stress causes their body to
destroy cells of the pancreas gland that make insulin. With the help of
insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children with type 1
diabetes can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy, happy lives.
At its core, proper type 1 diabetes management is composed of a handful
of elements: blood glucose control and insulin management, exercise, nutrition and
support. It is important to keep blood sugar close to normal. Having high blood
sugar can cause serious problems over time and can lead to nerve damage,
kidney disease, vision problems, pain or loss of feeling in hands and
feet, amputation, heart disease and strokes. Low blood sugar can cause
one to have a fast heart beat, shake and sweat. People with very low blood
sugar can get headaches, get very sleepy, pass out, or even suffer from
seizures.
The Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center offers services, support, education,
and events for those with type 1 diabetes.
The
Herbert Family Program focuses on meeting the unique needs of young adults with type 1 diabetes
(age 18-30s). The program addresses the financial, psychological, social
and physical changes that challenge not only the young adult but also
their family and support system. Also, the center offer its
Sweet Success program to ensure a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby as it is essential
to carefully manage diabetes during pregnancy.
CHOC Children's (CHOC) in collaboration with the Allen Diabetes Center
now offers
pediatric diabetes services including endocrinology care, education and support services for children
with diabetes and their families.