Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas is unable to produce any insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, without which glucose (sugar) that should otherwise be used for energy is accumulated in the blood. Reports have it that the cause of type 1 diabetes is yet unknown. It is neither caused by eating too much sugar nor is it preventable. The current thought is that type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system destroys the cells that make insulin.

In managing type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is essential. There are a variety of insulins available to help manage diabetes. Insulin is injected by pen, syringe or pump. The type and dosage administered will depend on your goals, age, lifestyle, meal plan, general health and motivation. Social and financial factors may also need to be considered. The type of insulin you need depends on how severe your insulin depletion is. You need to work with your doctor to determine:

The target range for your blood glucose which is your goal

How often you should measure your blood glucose level

The number of insulin injections you need per day to fulfil the goal

The timing of your insulin injections

The dose of insulin you need with each injection

Always ensure that you see a doctor before taking any medications for diabetes

SYMPTOMS FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES

General Signs and symptoms of Diabetes are:

Frequent urination

Unusual thirst

Extreme fatigue or lack of energy

Blurred vision

Frequent or recurring infections

Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal

Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

Trouble getting or maintaining an erection

Apart from the general symptoms of Diabetes, type 1 diabetes often develops more quickly and can cause symptoms like weight loss or a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis can occur when you have very high blood sugars, but little or no insulin in your body.

THE GOOD NEWS

You can live a long and healthy life by keeping your blood glucose (sugar) levels in the target range set by you and your health-care provider:
You can do this by:

Taking insulin as recommended (and other medications, if prescribed by your doctor)

Monitoring your blood glucose (sugar) levels regularly using a home blood glucose meter*

Eating healthy meals and snacks

Enjoying regular physical activity

Aiming for a healthy body weight

Managing stress effectively

* Discuss with your health-care provider how often you should measure your blood glucose (sugar) level.

A constructive and realistic attitude towards diabetes can help manage the dreaded disease and live a long and healthy life. Forming a team where ideas can be shared with others who have diabetes or are knowledgeable about it will be helpful. Your team may include a health-care group comprising a family doctor, a nurse, a pharmacist, a dietitian, an endocrinologist, a psychologist, foot care specialist or eye care specialist as the case may be. Others include members of diabetes association of Nigeria, social worker and exercise physiologist. There are also local diabetes groups in some towns, constituted by elite diabetics where valuable practical information can be obtained. Depending on your needs and the resources available in your community, these set of people can answer your questions about how to manage diabetes and work with you to adjust your food plan, activity and medications.