TYPE 1

WHAT IS TYPE 1 DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas (a large gland that lies behind the stomach) no longer produces insulin. Insulin is needed to move glucose out of the blood stream into the bodies muscles and stores to be used as energy. If the body is not producing insulin these stores remain empty and the body looks for other energy sources to use temporarily (these sources can only be used short term as the lack of insulin causes other symptoms).

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

• Increased Thirst
• Passing urine more frequently
• Tiredness
• Blurred Vision
• Weight Loss
• Stomach Pain
• Unusual smell on breath – ( similar to pear drops)

If you have any of the above symptoms you should seek medical advice. You do not need to have all the symptoms to have diabetes.

Who Can Develop Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is most common in children and young people. The onset of type 1 is usually before the age of 40 years but most commonly in the years of childhood.

Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

Insulin replacement is the main treatment for Type 1 Diabetes. As insulin is a protein it cannot be taken in tablet form as the body treats it like other proteins (fish, meat etc) and digests it. People with Type 1 Diabetes have regular insulin injections. The number of injections a day depends upon which insulins are prescribed. The choice of insulin is selected by accessing the persons lifestyle and deciding which insulin is best suited to them.

An alternative to insulin injections is the insulin pump which is worn constantly. It is currently unavailable in this area.

Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels

Blood glucose levels for someone with Type 1 Diabetes should be between 4 and 8 mmol/l before meals. Blood glucose levels are checked at least twice a day some people test up to four times a day.

Blood glucose levels are checked using a blood glucose meter and test strip, a small amount of blood is applied to the test strip and is read by the meter. This blood can come from either the finger tip, toe, arm or leg (different glucose meters can use different areas to take blood samples from).

If blood glucose levels drop below 4mmol’s this is known as a HYPO and will need immediate treatment with glucose to restore safe blood glucose levels.

If blood glucose levels are high symptoms such as increased thirst etc will develop. If blood glucose levels are raised over a long period complications will develop. These complications can severely damage health.

Ways in which to help yourself control your type 1 diabetes

• Eat a healthy diet, this is the same advice to anybody whether they have diabetes or not. Reduce the amount of fat and refined sugar you eat.
• Get yourself into a routine, most people who have well controlled diabetes are in a good routine.
• Monitor blood glucose levels regularly and make sure that you are giving your insulin at the right time. If your blood glucose levels are high do something about it!
• Keep in touch with the nurse specialist for diabetes he/she is there to help and support you.
• Attend regular hospital appointments.
• Make sure you have your annual screening, if you have a problem this will identify it early.
• Attend the opticians and dentist regular.
• Reduce risk taking behaviour such as smoking, recreational drugs and alcohol.