Type 1 Diabetes - Know the Facts

Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas fails to produce insulin or very little of it. This is a hormone that needs glucose to enter your cells to produce the energy you need to function properly. You can manage Type 1 Diabetes with a healthy lifestyle as directed by a physician.

These are some of the symptoms that most often are experienced early on and are associated with Type 1 Diabetes: fatigue, weight Loss, blurred vision, extreme hunger, frequent urination, increased thirst

The exact cause of Type 1 Diabetes is unknown. Scientists do know that genetics plays a part in the onset of the illness and also exposure to viruses can trigger Type 1 Diabetes. Your body's immune system usually fights off any harmful bacteria and viruses, but when it can't, sometimes the illness is triggered. With Type 1 Diabetes, your body mistakenly destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Once these cells are destroyed, they will produce little or no insulin.

The liver acts as a little storage compartment for glucose so that when you body needs it, it will distribute it properly. This keeps your blood glucose at a normal limit. If you have Type 1 Diabetes, this process will not occur because it causes sugar to build up in the bloodstream which can cause life threatening complications. It is very important to detect Type 1 Diabetes early because the longer it goes undetected, the more prone you are to have disabling or life threatening complications.