Diabetes Explained

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Special cells in the pancreas produce a hormone called insulin to regulate metabolism. When this hormone is not present glucose cannot enter body cells and blood glucose levels rise. Hyperglycemia may result from this situation. This process is the development of diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, has two forms; immune-mediated and idiopathic. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5-10% of cases in the United States. Research has shown that there is an inherited tendency for developing the disease; it may be triggered by environmental factors (Rosdahl & Kowalski, 2008). It also has an autoimmune component since antibodies to insulin and islet cells are present at the time of diagnosis (p. 1187). Because type 1 diabetes needs to be managed very carefully, are [Delete] carbohydrate counting and a low fat diet [“are”] the best way [Plural] to make sure that glucose and insulin are available in the right proportions. When diagnosed the goal is to achieve metabolic stabilization, restore body weight, and relieve symptoms of hyperglycemia.

Type 1 diabetics rely heavily on their diet to control their condition. It is just as important as accurately checking their glucose on a regular basis. A person with type 1 diabetes needs to find the right balance of foods [Should not be plural] choices to regulate their diet and control their glucose levels. If this is not achieved [Insert comma] long term complications for diabetes can arise which include; damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Carbohydrate intake must be carefully coordinated with an exercise program and medication, this is imperative so that glucose and insulin are available in the right a...

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...i, G. (2011). Short Report: Treatment effects of meals with different glycaemic index on postprandial blood glucose response in patients with type 1 diabetes treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Diabetic Medicine, 227-229. doi:10.1111/.1464-5491.2010.03176.x

Rosdahl, C.B., & Kowalski, M.T., (2008). Textbook of Basic Nursing (9th Ed.) Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins

Scavone, G., Manto, A., Gagliardi, L., Caputo, S., Mancini, L., Zaccardi, F., & Ghirlanda, G. (2010). Effect of carbohydrate counting and medical nutritional therapy on glycaemic control Type 1 diabetic subjects: a pilot study. Diabetic Medicine, Vol. 27, (477-479). doi:10.1111/.1464-5491.2010.02963.x

Thornton, H. (2009, June). Type 1 diabetes, part 1: An Introduction. British Journal of School

Nursing, Vol. 4, (No 5), 223-227. Retrieved from EBSCOhost database.

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