Type 1 Diabetes Q & A
What is Type I diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease that prevents your pancreas from producing insulin. Insulin is a critical hormone that helps keep your blood sugar levels in check. If you have Type I diabetes, your immune system attacks the beta cells in your pancreas. Over time, this causes your blood sugar levels to spike.
When left untreated, Type I diabetes increases your risk of serious health problems, including a heart attack, stroke, permanent nerve damage, or amputation.
What are the symptoms of Type I Diabetes?
Common symptoms of Type I diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unintended weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision
Type I diabetes can also affect your mental health. For example, you might experience periods of irritability or other mood changes.
Who is at risk of Type I diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes affects people of all ages, genders, and races. However, it tends to run in families. If your parents or grandparents had Type I diabetes, you’re more likely to experience it as well.
How is Type I diabetes diagnosed?
To diagnose Type I diabetes, the team at Ally Endocrinology reviews your medical history and conducts a physical exam. They then order a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. An A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past several months. If you receive a reading of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests, it means you have Type I diabetes.
If you’re pregnant, the team might recommend additional blood tests as well, including a random blood sugar test or fasting blood sugar test.
How is Type I Diabetes treated?
The team at Ally Endocrinology treats diabetes with:
- Insulin therapy
- Frequent blood sugar monitoring
- Eating healthy foods
- Exercising regularly
If you don’t want to inject insulin throughout the day, the team might recommend an insulin pump. An insulin pump is an implantable device that delivers insulin to your body at routine intervals. Following an exam and review of your medical history, the team can determine if an insulin pump is right for you.
You might also benefit from participating in a clinical trial. The team at Ally Endocrinology regularly conducts medical research on Type I diabetes in an effort to advance treatment.
How can I prevent complications from T1D?
There’s no cure for Type I diabetes, but there are steps you can take to prevent complications. The team at Ally Endocrinology recommends participating in a diabetic eye exam, a diabetic foot exam, and a urine test each year. Depending on your age and health history, the team might also recommend a cardiac stress test.
To receive treatment for Type I diabetes, request a consultation at Ally Endocrinology. Book online to schedule an appointment or call the nearest office today.
