Insulin Dependent Diabetes

Learn about Insulin Dependent Diabetes

Insulin dependent diabetes, also known as Type 1 diabetes, is the type of diabetes that results when the body’s immune system attacks the beta cells of the pancreas. Consequently, the pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin. People usually find out that they have insulin dependent diabetes mellitus before reaching the age of 30, although it can be diagnosed at any age. Type 1 diabetes is treated with either oral or injected insulin.

Upon being diagnosed with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, it can be daunting to face a life of medication. If this is your reaction to a diagnosis of diabetes, then you have several resources to make the transition more bearable. These insulin dependent diabetes helpers are the people on your health care team. The members of your health care team are:

• Primary care provider
• An endocrinologist- a doctor who specializes in the treatment of diabetes
• A registered dietician to help you learn healthy eating habits
• A diabetes educator that can teach you to manage your diabetes
• A health psychologist who can help you learn to deal with your feelings
  

As you work with your insulin dependent diabetes mellitus health care team, you will soon have a greater understanding of diabetes and know how to make the adjustments needed to have a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Since insulin dependent diabetes means that your body does not get the energy it needs in its cells, the insulin actually builds up in the body and results in higher blood glucose levels. These levels, if left untreated, can result in long term complications like vision problems, kidney disease, nerve damage, tooth and gum problems, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and sexual dysfunction.

The best way to prevent perpetually high or sudden drops in glucose levels is through frequent (minimum of 4x daily) blood glucose testing. In order to track highs and lows in blood glucose levels, you should check 2 hours after each meal and before going to bed. During times of sickness, you should check more frequently. Symptoms of high blood glucose and low blood glucose are different (with the exception of 2), and being aware of them will help you respond and correct the problem.
 

Diabetic Seniors Team

Related Articles

Insulin Resistant Diabetes - The most common form of diabetes in America is Type 2 or insulin resistant diabetes mellitus, which is described by the American diabetes Association as a form of diabetes in which the body cannot absorb the insulin produced by the body. It is more common in adults over the age of 40, but is not uncommon (especially in minority groups) to be diagnosed as early as age 10. In many instances, insulin resistant diabetes can be controlled by diet and exercise; however, insulin resistant diabetes mellitus may ultimately lead to needing oral medications or daily insulin injections.

An Understanding of Juvenile Diabetes - Type 1, Type 2, adult onset diabetes, juvenile diabetes--what is it all about? For the non-diabetic these words are confusing and often misunderstood. However, if you have been a diabetic for any length of time, then you know the differences.

Gestational Diabetes - Gestational diabetes is characterized as the onset of abnormal blood glucose levels in conjunction with insulin irregularities in pregnant women. Gestational diabetes is generally diagnosed in pregnant women during their third trimester of pregnancy, and the disease accounts for approximately less than 5% of all pregnancies in the United States.

Type 1 Diabetes - Type 1 Diabetes, often referred to as juvenile onset diabetes or childhood diabetes, accounts for roughly 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is characterized as the inability for hormone producing pancreatic cells to produce any insulin. The hormone insulin is used to regulate levels of glucose in the blood stream; glucose is a form of energy used by cells throughout the body. However, with the absence of insulin in the blood stream, cells are unable to convert the glucose into energy. Despite that the majority of diagnosed cases of type 1 diabetes occur in children, it can develop at any time during adulthood.