What is type 1 diabetes self management?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. When the body can no longer regulate blood sugar levels, daily injections of insulin are required to sustain life. While the cause of type 1 diabetes is not known, it is generally believed that environment and genetics play a key role.

More than a million Americans suffer from type 1 diabetes. Heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and circulation problems leading to amputation are some of the complications associated with it. Therefore, having a comprehensive diabetes self management program in place is necessary for those who are diagnosed with this disease.

Some common type 1 diabetes symptoms are: excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss in spite of excessive hunger, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue and absence of menstruation.

Educational programs are available to help those with the disease in developing their diabetes self management skills. These programs often have certified diabetes educators and dietitians on their staff who are highly trained in diabetes management. When patients begin one of these programs they are typically advised about monitoring blood sugar levels on a regular basis, keeping track of the carbohydrates that they consume, making changes to their diet and exercise regimen and then developing a routine of insulin injection to match their needs. Patients are usually referred to these programs by their physicians.

Getting a patient started on a type 1 diabetes self management plan tends to be easier if the patient already has a structured schedule. People who travel a lot, work odd hours, or are caregivers themselves have a harder time adjusting.

Insulin self-injection is a skill that must be learned when undertaking diabetes self management. Many patients however prefer using an insulin pump that is worn around the waist. About the size of a pager, this device which is connected to a catheter implanted under the skin and injects insulin as needed in small doses. This often feels more natural to the patient and the pump is simply detached when needed for activities like taking a shower or swimming. And when blood sugar levels change it's easy to adjust the dose.

Pregnant women with diabetes should become knowledgeable of diabetes self management. Babies born to mothers with diabetes are not born with the disease. However, if the mother's diabetes was not controlled during pregnancy, the baby can very quickly develop low blood sugar after birth and must be watched very closely until his or her body adjusts the amount of insulin it makes.

Your health is one of your most important assets and those with diabetes need to be extra vigilant about it. A good type 1 diabetes self management plan is critical for those with the disease. In the years to come we will undoubtedly see more progress made in the treatment of type 1 as well as other forms of the disease. Doing everything possible now to avoid complications will only enhance the benefits of the future.

By: John Richmond

Daily diabetes self management is mandatory for those with diabetes and John Richmond who writes for YourDiabetesInfo.com has done extensive research on the subject. Please check out this site for more information.

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