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| Type 1 diabetes occurs
when the body's immune system attacks
and destroys certain cells in the pancreas,
an organ about the size of a hand that
is located behind the lower part of
the stomach. These cells - called beta
cells are contained, along with other
types of cells, within small islands
of endocrine cells called the pancreatic
islets. Beta cells normally produce
insulin, a hormone that helps the body
move the glucose contained in food into
cells throughout the body, which use
it for energy. |
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But when the beta cells
are destroyed, no insulin can be produced,
and the glucose stays in the blood instead,
where it can cause serious damage to
all the organ systems of the body.
For this reason, people with type 1
diabetes must take insulin in order
to stay alive. This means undergoing
multiple injections daily, or having
insulin delivered through an insulin
pump, and testing their blood sugar
by pricking their fingers for blood
six or more times a day. People with
diabetes must also carefully balance
their food intake and their exercise
to regulate their blood sugar levels,
in an attempt to avoid hypoglycemic
(low blood sugar) and hyperglycemic
(high blood sugar) reactions, which
can be life threatening.
The warning signs of type 1 diabetes
include extreme thirst; frequent urination;
drowsiness or lethargy; sugar in urine;
sudden vision changes; increased appetite;
sudden weight loss; fruity, sweet, or
wine-like odor on breath; heavy, labored
breathing; stupor; and unconsciousness.
Generally, type 1 diabetes is diagnosed
in children, teenagers, or young adults.
Scientists do not yet know exactly what
causes type 1 diabetes, but they believe
that autoimmune, genetic, and environmental
factors are involved.
Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent or
adult-onset)
Type 2 diabetes typically develops after
age 40, but can appear earlier, and
has more recently begun to appear with
more frequency in children. In this
form of diabetes the pancreas still
produces insulin, but the body does
not produce enough or is not able to
use it effectively. Treatment includes
diet control, exercise, self-monitoring
of blood glucose and, in some cases,
oral drugs or insulin.
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