Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. In most people with type 1 diabetes, the body’s own immune system – which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses – mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas. Genetics may play a role in this process, and exposure to certain environmental factors, such as viruses, may trigger the disease. Although type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence, it also can begin in adults.
Symptoms
Type 1 diabetes signs and symptoms can come on quickly and may include:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Bedwetting in children who previously didn’t wet the bed during the night
Extreme hunger
Unintended weight loss
Irritability and other mood changes
Fatigue and weakness
Blurred vision
In females, a vaginal yeast infection
Type 1 diabetes can affect major organs in your body, including heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Keeping your blood sugar level close to normal most of the time can dramatically reduce the risk of many complications.
If you suspect that you or your child might have type 1 diabetes, get evaluated immediately. Diabetes Assays ELISA kits can let your doctor know if you need further evaluation and treatment.
Despite active research, type 1 diabetes has no cure. But it can be managed. With proper treatment, people with type 1 diabetes can expect to live longer, healthier lives than did people with type 1 diabetes in the past.
The post What is Type 1 Diabetes? appeared first on Rapidtest.com Blog.