Type 1 Diabetes Essay

According to an article published on American Diabetes Association, there are 30.3 million Americans with diabetes and 1.25 million have type 1 diabetes (“Statistics About Diabetes”, 2017). The body mistakes insulin cells as a threat and the immune system destroys them leaving the body lacking insulin. Genetics are also a common cause of type 1 diabetes. This disease can cause problems to many of the body’s systems because of the insulin deficiency. Type 1 diabetes will eventually effect the cardiovascular, integumentary and possibly the reproduction system. Many people with type 1 diabetes suffer from hypertension because the body is having to work harder to pump because of hyperglycemia. Eventually the blood can form fatty deposits which can restrict blood flow and cause atherosclerosis. Many people with type 1 diabetes also complain of angina. Due to the high blood sugar the body is dehydrated and many times the lower extremities have edema. Women are very likely to have high blood pressure during their pregnancy which can cause preeclampsia. There are a lot of signs and symptoms that come with these systems being …show more content…
The main treatment option is an insulin injection. The insulin is injected by a syringe and is administered into the subcutaneous tissue. A newer way of administering insulin is through an insulin pump. The pump is directed through a port that is usually located on the lower part of the persons stomach. The pump monitors the blood glucose levels 24/7 and delivers the insulin when it is needed. The pump is a convenient way to observe and deliver insulin. Diet and exercise are also an important part of a type 1 diabetic’s life. Diet and exercise is not a treatment, but it will help the person regulate their health. Although, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes with regular and proper treatment a healthy and normal lifestyle can be