Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes Mel·li·tus (mə-lī’təs, měl’ĭ-) is a metabolic disorder in which there are high blood sugar levels over a period of time. This disease process symptomatology is excessive thirst, frequent urination and increase hunger. There are three types of Diabetes Mellitus. Type I or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) has an early onset and is diagnosed in someone who is a juvenile. Type II or non-insulin diabetes mellitus (NIIDDM) has a late onset and is diagnosed in someone who is an adult. Gestational Diabetes occurs only in women who are pregnant and have high blood sugar levels during their pregnancy. This paper will focus on Type I DM or T1D. (1)
The word “diabetes” was first used by the Greek physician Aretaeus. The origin of the word diabetes means “siphon”, a description used for patients with excessive thirst and urination. In the 17th century the word “mellitus”, meaning like honey, was added when diabetes patients’ urine was noticed to be sweet. Yet, the disease is not directly related to urine, but instead to the pancreas not producing enough insulin or insufficient insulin for the body to use as energy (3). As a result this disease typically appears in children; therefore it is identified as juvenile diabetes. This disease can affect ones kidneys, eyes, heart, nerves, and blood vessels. T1D can also lead to complications with skin, mouth, pregnancy, hearing problems, foot damage, it may also lead to one having osteoporosis. If T1D is not treated, it can be disabling and may lead to death.
As of today there is not a cure for T1D, but it can be treated. One’s primary care physician can make this diagnosis by administering a number of these tests, such as an A1C, a Fasting Plasma Glucose, an Oral Glucose Tolerance, and the Random Plasma Glucose test. All of these tests check glucose levels in the blood stream. Treatment for this metabolic disease is a lifelong commitment. Insulin therapy is the most commonly used treatment for T1D.
The word “diabetes” was first used by the Greek physician Aretaeus. The origin of the word diabetes means “siphon”, a description used for patients with excessive thirst and urination. In the 17th century the word “mellitus”, meaning like honey, was added when diabetes patients’ urine was noticed to be sweet. Yet, the disease is not directly related to urine, but instead to the pancreas not producing enough insulin or insufficient insulin for the body to use as energy (3). As a result this disease typically appears in children; therefore it is identified as juvenile diabetes. This disease can affect ones kidneys, eyes, heart, nerves, and blood vessels. T1D can also lead to complications with skin, mouth, pregnancy, hearing problems, foot damage, it may also lead to one having osteoporosis. If T1D is not treated, it can be disabling and may lead to death.
As of today there is not a cure for T1D, but it can be treated. One’s primary care physician can make this diagnosis by administering a number of these tests, such as an A1C, a Fasting Plasma Glucose, an Oral Glucose Tolerance, and the Random Plasma Glucose test. All of these tests check glucose levels in the blood stream. Treatment for this metabolic disease is a lifelong commitment. Insulin therapy is the most commonly used treatment for T1D.
Cited: 1. “Diabetes Mellitus. “Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 31 May 2014. 2. “Healthcare 411.” Diabetes Disparities Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2014. 3. McCoy,, Krisha, MS and Pat F. Bass III, MD, M P H,.“The History of Diabetes – Diabetes Center – Everyday Health.” EverydayHealth.com. Np., n.d. Web. 30 May 2014 4. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Type 1 Diabetes. “ Diseases and Conditions Type 1 Diabetes. Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d. Web. 07 June 2014. 5. “Type 1 Diabetes.” Personal interview. 9 June 2014.