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Type I Diabetes

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Type I Diabetes is the insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus that has a juvenile onset. Insulin is needed by the body in order to use sugar for energy. However, because individuals with Type I Diabetes are unable to produce this insulin in their body, sugar builds up in their blood stream and is the reason for their diabetes. Type I Diabetes is characterized by insulin dependence and usually develops during childhood or as a young adult.

Treatment

The ultimate goal is to keep your blood glucose levels near normal by doing all of the following:

  • Diet - Carbohydrate counting is an important skill to learn in order to maintain tight control of blood sugar. Also, carbohydrate monitoring helps to adjust the amount of insulin needed after meals and when exercising.
  • Exercise - Regular physical activities are an effective sugar level controller in addition to a healthy diet.
  • Blood sugar monitoring - A sugar (glucose) monitor should be available at all times to check sugar levels in order to make adjustments to keep the level within a normal range.
  • Testing - There are several clinical test that will frequently have to be done in order to monitor a patients diabetes. WebMD has a list of the different types of testing done.
  • Insulin - It is the only way to treat Type I Diabetes; it is given through injections or more frequently through insulin pumps.

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Accessibility | Privacy | ASU Disclaimer This site was created by Christian Sosa in fulfillment of requirements for the course CSS 335: Latino Health Issues taught by Dr. Szkupinski Quiroga at Arizona State University, Spring 2005.