Description Type 1 diabetes is ...
Description
Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the body does not make enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is most commonly diagnosed in children and teens. It was previously called juvenile diabetes. At times the first sign of type 1 diabetes is a life threatening complication called diabetic ketoacidosis.
Symptoms
Frequent urination, increased thirst with high fluid intake, nausea, fatigue, blurry vision. Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis may experience severe vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and fainting.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. Initially frequent blood sugar monitoring is required. Other blood tests will assess kidney function and electrolyte balance. A hemoglobin A1C can measure the success of controlling the glucose level over time.
Tests:
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Urinalysis (UA), Fasting blood sugar
Other Specific Tests: Arterial blood gas (ABG), and /or ketone blood level.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Pediatric Endocrinology
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. Initially frequent blood sugar monitoring is required. Other blood tests will assess kidney function and electrolyte balance. A hemoglobin A1C can measure the success of controlling the glucose level over time.
Tests:
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Urinalysis (UA), Fasting blood sugar
Other Specific Tests: Arterial blood gas (ABG), and /or ketone blood level.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Pediatric Endocrinology
Treatment
Treatment of type 1 diabetes always includes insulin. Ketoacidosis requires treatment in the hospital with intravenous fluids and insulin, with close monitoring of vital signs, urine output, blood glucose levels and electrolytes. At home, insulin is administered by injections under the skin or an insulin pump. The insulin doses are adjusted based on blood sugar measurements done during the day.