Characteristics of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus:

• Happens in 5-10% of persons diagnosed with diabetes.
• Mostly in children and adults up to 30 years of age (may occur at any age).
• Requires insulin injections for survival.
• Prone to Ketoacidosis (life threatening condition characterized by sweet fruity odor to the breath, dehydration, and coma).

Signs and Symptoms include:

• Frequent urination (polyurea)
• Excessive Thirst (polydipsia)
• Excessive hunger (polyphasia)
• Rapid weight loss

Cause:

• Partly genetic
• Autoimmune process where body thinks the Beta cells in the pancreas (where insulin is produced) is the enemy and they self-destruct
• Viral infection may be the trigger for the process to begin

Treatment (preferably by a diabetes specialist called an Endocrinologist):

• Insulin injections
• Diet
• Exercise
• Self Blood Glucose Monitoring
• Education

Goals of Treatment:

Blood glucose control goals should be set by a team comprised of the physician, patient, family members, and other diabetes management team members. Goals should be individualized to fit patient characteristics and needs.

• Prevent symptoms of high blood glucose/sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Prevent ketosis
• Maintain weight within a desirable range
• Maintain normal growth rate in children and adolescents
• Minimize low blood glucose/sugar (hypoglycemia)
• prevent hospitalization
• Prevent or postpone the development of retinopathy (eye disease), nephropathy (kidney disease), neuropathy (nerve damage), heart disease, and stroke
• Before meals blood glucose/sugar = 80-120 mg/dL
• Bedtime blood glucose/sugar = 100-140 mg/dL