What Are The Complications Of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, also known as Juvenile Onset Diabetes, is an autoimmune condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, caused by the non production of insulin. Insulin is made by the islet cells located in the pancreas, and is responsible for regulating the blood sugar levels. It is mostly prevalent in young children and teens, who must take multiple insulin injections daily to replace the insulin the body is not making.

when glucose levels rise (hyperglycemia) the pancreas responds by releasing the hormone insulin to convert the excess glucose into energy for the cells to use as fuel. In Type 1 diabetes there is no insulin production, thus depriving the cells of the fuel they need for proper functioning. If blood sugar levels are not brought under control, complications can occur and cause damage to the major organs of the body.

The Complications of Type 1:

Diabetic Retinopathy: Is damage to the vessels of the retina causing blindness, and is common in diabetics.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Results from poor circulation causing damage to the nerves and peripheral arteries. This complication can lead to amputation of an extremity if not treated.

Nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease): Is related to long-term elevated blood pressure causing damage to the nephrons of the kidneys. Without proper treatment can lead to dialysis treatments or kidney transplant.

Diabetic Neuropathy (nerve damage): Is the result of unregulated blood sugar levels and affects the extremities. Persons living with diabetes over a period of years are likely to have some level of nerve damage.

Skin problems: Diabetics are prone to bacterial and fungal infections of the skin. Uncontrolled high glucose levels can dry the skin making it vulnerable to cracks and infection.

Sexual Dysfunction: Affects both men and women and is related to nerve and vessel damage caused by diabetes.

Depression: The added stress of dealing with diabetes everyday can lead to feelings of frustration and sadness. Feelings such as these lasting for more than two weeks is serious complication.

Gastroparesis: A condition affecting both types of diabetes where the stomach does not empty in a timely manner. This is due to damage of the vagus nerve, which is responsible for moving food through the digestive tract.

Persons who have been diagnosed with diabetes require specialized care to to stay in the most optimal health. It is important to monitor daily blood glucose levels to keep them within normal limits to prevent the many complications that can occur. The main reason for complications is not caring for yourself properly.

Self Care:

There is no reason why diabetics can't live a full and productive life. There is extra work involved as diabetics must do for their bodies what their bodies can't do. When the body ceases to make insulin, or the insulin being produced is not being used effectively, one must take over that job by closely monitoring their glucose levels and administering to the body the insulin that is lacking. Testing your glucose levels before meals and at bedtime and taking the proper amount of insulin keeps glucose levels in normal range and prevents complications.

Diet: Persons with diabetes must adhere to a healthy diabetic diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods and lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish. This will help to keep you healthy, lose weight, and feel better. Be mindful of your salt intake as too much sodium in the diet can raise the blood pressure. Consistently high blood pressure causes damage to the major organs of the body leading to added complications of diabetes.

Make regular visits with your health care provider to catch any potential problems in their early stages when they are most easily treated. Don't wait until a problem gets out of hand before doing anything about it. Denial can be your worst enemy and can lead to dire consequences. Remember, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT