Type 1 Diabetes Essay

Diabetes is a disorder characterized by an abnormal amount of insulin available. This disease has been around for a long time, but classification of this disease did not occur until more recently. There are four classifications of diabetes. These include type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, and diabetes that occurs secondary to other disorders of the body (Porth, 2016, p. 799). There are differences between type and type 2, and it is important to understand these when treating this disease. Type 1 diabetes is caused by destruction of pancreatic beta cells. While this disease typically first occurs at an early age, it depends on how rapidly the cells are destroyed for the disease to appear. According to Glassford (2017), “Type 1 diabetes

Insulin aids transport of glucose into skeletal muscles to be used during periods of activity. Insulin works on fats by stimulating the liver to synthesis fatty acids and triglycerides. Insulin also works on protein metabolism by decreasing the breakdown of proteins and increasing the synthesis of protein through RNA (Porth, 2016, p. 795). When there is not enough insulin in the body symptoms of, diabetes occur. The three main signs of diabetes are excessive thirst, excessive urination, and excessive hunger. These signs are related to a reduction of insulin because the sugar remains in the blood. The kidneys attempt to filter out this sugar, producing large amounts of urine. The excessive urination leads to large amounts of fluid loss, leading to dehydration which triggers excessive thirst. Since the muscle cells are not able to take up the sugar they face a shortage of energy. This triggers the body to increase the hormones that cause hunger. If the person eats the cells are hoping they will get glucose to use as energy. Treating diabetes is tough. The patient with diabetes needs to understand the role insulin and sugar play in this disease. The danger of high levels of insulin in the blood may lead to damage to many organs including the kidneys. The patient can do many things to help control their blood sugar levels including avoiding added sugars in their diet, taking their medication, and beginning an exercise