Diabetes Type one: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Name
Institution
Date
Type one Diabetes
Introduction
The prevalence and progression of diabetes vary by ethnic group. This type of diabetes contributes about 10% of the global cases of diabetes. Recently, there has been an upsurge in the prevalence of this disease in the world (Chiang et al., 2014). In this research paper, I will provide a detailed analysis of the causes, prevalence, symptoms, prevention strategies, the effect on the body, and treatment of type1-diabetes. The analysis will make reference to a specific ethnic/ racial group.
Discussion
Diabetes is a long-term disease where the pancreas produces insufficient or fails to produce insulin hormone that is required to enable sugar to get into the cells to produce energy (Chiang et al., 2014). To date, there is no known cure for this form of diabetes. Still, by following the doctor’s recommendations for better lifestyles, controlling blood sugar, and going for regular medical check-ups, the disease can be managed.
Prevalence
Recently, the world has witnessed an upsurge in type1-diabetes cases. The global prevalence of this disease is estimated to be 0.28 percent. However, the total number of people with this disease is projected to increase to over 3.66 million people worldwide. According to Chiang et al. (2014), the projected rise in the number of people with this disease is likely to be witnessed in Asia and Africa. Type 1-diabetes is more prevalent in regions with temperate climate than in the tropics.
Symptoms
There are several symptoms associated with this form of diabetes (Chiang et al., 2014). These symptoms may appear suddenly, and they include, feeling very thirsty, urinating more frequently, excessive hunger even after eating, unexplained loss of weight, feeling weak and tired, having blurred vision, regular, having difficulties in breathing, and bedwetting in children who have been having dry nights.
Impact on the body
Over time, type 1-diabetes, if poorly controlled, can cause diabetic complications, which can result in the damage of vital body organs (Chiang et al., 2014). This disease affects the blood vessels and the nervous system in the patient’s body. But, more significantly, type 1-diabetes, if poorly managed, can cause damage to the kidneys, which affects the body’s ability to separate waste materials from the blood. Diabetes can also affect the body’s blood circulatory system that can increase the likelihood of developing hypertension, which strains the heart. Poorly controlled diabetes predisposes the patient to heart ailments and stroke. Poorly managed diabetes can cause damage to the nervous system, which can result in a decrease in the ability to feel heat, cold, and pain, thus making the patient more prone to harm.
Treatment
According to Skyler (2015), diabetes does not have any known cure. However, the disease may be controlled by keeping blood sugar level close to normal with the objective of delaying or preventing the negative effects of diabetes. Treatment of type 1-diabetes entails using insulin injectable, carrying out carbohydrates and fat tests, regular blood sugar monitoring, consuming healthy meals, and regular physical exercises.
Causes
Diabetes occurs when the body mistakenly attacks itself, which hampers the ability of the pancreas to secrete insulin (Chiang et al., 2014). However, experts believe that this form of diabetes is caused by a combination of the genetic material and environmental precursors like exposure to viruses. Type 1-diabetes is a hereditary disease that can be passed over from one generation to the other through the genes. The high prevalence of this disease in specific racial groups like the American Indians, Asian Americans, and Hispanics is proof that the disease runs in families. In type 1-diabetes, the functioning of the immune system determines the occurrence of the disease. The malfunctioning of the body’s self- defense system results in the appearance of this disease.
Diabetes is not caused by lifestyle. However, living a healthy lifestyle forms part of the management process for this disease (Chiang et al., 2014). Eating healthy foods with fewer carbohydrates, sugar, and fat is critical in managing this condition. Exercising regularly helps in shedding off excess fat from the body, which is essential in the management of the disease. People with this disease must desist from smoking because it may aggravate the condition. Overall, this disease is not caused by lifestyles; change in lifestyle can help in the management of the disease.
Prevention
To date, diabetes does not have a preventive intervention for preventing (Skyler, 2015). The disease is mostly genetic and runs in families. However, the condition can only be managed through the adherence to the doctor’s recommendations on insulin medication, regular exercising, and eating healthy foods.
Conclusion
Type 1-diabetes is genetic and is more prevalent in certain racial groups than others. I have also learned that it is a hereditary disease that runs in families where one parent is of Asian ethnic extraction like mine. This disease does not have treatment, but it can be managed once diagnosed. Furthermore, I have learned that disease cannot be prevented, and it is not caused by lifestyle. Nonetheless, the progression of this disease can be delayed by taking insulin and following other recommendations from the doctor. What I have learned has impacted me, and I see the need to change my lifestyle so that I can manage my condition.
References
Chiang, J. L., Kirkman, M. S., Laffel, L. M., & Peters, A. L. (2014). Type 1 diabetes through the life span: a position statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes care, 37(7), 2034-2054.
Skyler, J. S. (2015). Prevention and reversal of type 1 diabetes—past challenges and future opportunities. Diabetes care, 38(6), 997-1007.
https://jdrf.org.uk/information-support/about-type-1-diabetes/causes-of-type-1-diabetes/
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type1.html