Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is caused by a complete lack of insulin in the body. Because of the symptoms caused by the lack of insulin, Type 1 is usually detected in childhood. Therefore, Type 1 Diabetes is also frequently called Juvenile Diabetes or Insulin-Dependent Diabetes. About 7% of all Diabetics have Type 1 Diabetes.

In a Type 1 Diabetic, the pancreas (see below) does not secrete insulin. The beta cells within the pancreas, which normally produce the insulin, are usually either destroyed or simply not functional. Often, a Diabetic’s own immune system is responsible for destroying these beta cells. Therefore, Type 1 diabetics have autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic cells that make insulin. Type 1 diabetics are absolutely insulin requiring, and cannot take oral agents to control their blood glucose levels.

The Pancreas within the Digestive System: (just below the stomach)

When a person has no natural means of producing insulin, sugar (glucose, fructose, and galactose) stays in the bloodstream and cannot be used by the cells or stored for later use. Type 1 Diabetics must inject or inhale insulin, in order to control the right amount of sugar in their blood.

The new insulin cannot use all of the available sugar (see hypoglycemia). The person must use enough insulin to use up the right amount of the sugar for energy, and enough to control other metabolic processes. They must also be very focussed on their nutrition and levels of exercise . The number one cause of death among Type 1 diabetics is renal failure.

Learn more about Sugars and Starches that can affect your blood glocose management, by clicking here.