Diabetes Type 1 – Sudden Onset Diabetes

Diabetes is a medical condition in which the diabetic is incapable of properly converting glucose, or blood sugar into energy. Glucose is normally metabolized by a hormone, called insulin that is secreted by the pancreas. A diabetic either does not produce enough insulin or their body does not properly use the insulin that it produces, leaving the sugar in the blood stream and causing many dangerous and potentially life threatening complications to the sufferer. There are an estimated 34 million people suffering from diabetes in the United States, and of them, somewhere between 5 and 10% are suffering from diabetes type 1.

Currently almost all patients that are suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections in order to control their diabetes. Diabetes type 1 differs from diabetes type 2 in that a type 1 diabetic's body will not produce insulin, whereas a type 2 diabetic may produce insulin, but the body does not properly use it. Type 1 diabetes typically develops very quickly, over a period of months or even weeks. It is often triggered by some type of viral infection or sometimes even by stress or exposure to some chemicals or drugs. There are some genetic predispositions that may make a person more susceptible to these triggers, but it is not uncommon for someone to be the first in their family to be diagnosed with this condition.

For most patients that are stricken with diabetes type 1, there is no choice but to undergo daily insulin injections, in order to control their diabetes. There is currently no cure for this form of diabetes, however there is research being done into the possibility of replacing a pancreas or just the beta cells of the pancreas that are not functioning properly. There have been some experimental transplants done of beta cells on both mice and humans but this is not yet a practical solution due to the lack of beta cell donors currently available.

For patients suffering from diabetes type 1, there is hope. With proper diet, close management of their blood sugar levels and daily insulin injections, type 1 diabetes is very manageable. There are many great recipes and pre-packaged food products that are suitable for a diabetic to eat. Modern culinary and medical advances have made it possible for a diabetic to enjoy day to day life with little added imposition. It is extremely important however that a type 1 diabetic strictly adhere to their treatment regimen though, as non-compliance can truly be a fatal decision.

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