Diabetes
Mellitus Type 1
By Sheryl Heichel
What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes, also referred to as juvenile
diabetes, is a disease in which the pancreas
does not secrete insulin.

The exact cause is unknown, but thought to
have genetic and environmental factors.

Most often occurs in childhood, but can also
develop late 30's and early 40's.
Pathophysiology

Caused by autoimmune destruction of the
insulin-producing beta cells in the islets of
Langerhans in the pancreas.

Hyperglycemia presents after the majority
of cells are destroyed and then diabetes
can be diagnosed.
Pathophysiology Continued

In 85% of cases, the individual has islet cell
antibodies present; glutamic acid
decarboxylase is the enzyme most
commonly targeted by these antibodies.

Type 1 diabetes is often found in those
already suffering from an autoimmune
disease.
Signs and Symptoms

Diagnosed through a blood or ketone test.
Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss,
increased blood and urine glucose and
ketones. Left untreated it can be fatal.

Hypoglycemia : seizures, hunger, fainting,
weakness, coma.

Hyperglycemia: increased thirst and urination,
ketoacidosis(vomiting, dry skin, abdominal
pain, rapid breathing), coma, organ damage.
Treatment

Insulin must be used to process the glucose from
meals and normalize protein and lipid metabolism.
Injections or pumps are used.

Types of insulin:
Rapid-acting: works about 15 minutes after
injecting; works for 2-4 hours
Regular or short acting: ~30 after injecting; works
for 3-6 hours
Intermediate-acting: 2 to 4 hours after injecting;
works for 12-18 hours
Long-acting: takes several hours but keeps levels
even over a day
References




American Diabetes Association, A. (n.d.). Retrieved
from http://www.diabetes.org/living-withdiabetes/treatment-andcare/medication/insulin/insulin-routines.html
American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.diabetes.org/living-withdiabetes/treatment-andcare/medication/insulin/insulin-basics.html
Smerte
Retrieved from
http://www.smerete.com/what-is-type-1-diabetesknow-your-diabetic-conditions/
Tortora, Gerard J., and Bryan Derrickson. Principles of
Anatomy & Physiology. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2012. Print.