Type 1 Diabetes Insulin
People with Type 1 diabetes will always have it. Sadly, there is no cure for this type of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body's own immune system, which attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells from the pancreas, called beta cells.
The main purpose of insulin is to move certain nutrients, primarily glucose (sugar), into the body's tissue cells. These cells use the sugar and nutrients as a source of energy. Cells need sugar and nutrients to function.
In a healthy body, the level of sugar in the blood goes down after it enters the cell. But, with type 1 diabetes, insulin is missing, so there is no lowering of sugar levels.
Instead of moving into cells, the sugar stays in the blood. This causes cells to starve, as they are not getting energy. Other systems within the body need to make up for this starvation by producing energy for important bodily functions. The result of this is high blood sugar levels.
People suffering from high blood sugar levels may experience:
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Damage to various parts of the body
It is important for people with type 1 diabetes to regularly check their blood sugar levels. When needed, they should adjust their insulin levels, food, or activity to help balance their sugar levels.
photo credit: kirinqueen
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