Blood Glucose Levels - Type 1 Diabetes Means Having Very High Blood Glucose Levels

For the most part all of us have heard of diabetes even if we are not really sure exactly what it is and what causes it. We are pretty sure that it has something to with blood glucose levels and that there are different kinds of diabetes. The most common types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. According to sources approximately 7% of people in the US suffer from some form of diabetes and of that 7% somewhere between 5 and 10% have Type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 sugar diabetes is often called childhood, juvenile or insulin dependent diabetes although this may be a bit of a misnomer as adults can also be diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes is when a person has little or no insulin in their body. Insulin is normally produced by your body to help break down the glucose found in your bloodstream and supplies it to the cells of your body. Every cell in your body needs a certain amount of glucose; it is the fuel that provides the energy your cells need to function.

Type 1 diabetes requires insulin to help control your blood sugar levels because unlike the low blood sugar levels of a type 2 diabetic, with this type of diabetes your blood sugar levels can skyrocket out of control. This can cause damage to your heart, kidneys, nerves and various other parts of your body. Some of the more common symptoms of type 1 diabetes when your blood sugar levels are low include but are not limited to frequent urination, episodes of extreme thirst, increased hunger, fatigue and irritability. Some patients also say they have problems with blurry vision and losing weight without trying.

There are several different tests used to check blood glucose levels but the test most doctors prefer is testing your blood sugar levels after fasting for at least 8 hours. This test takes a look at the level of glucose in your blood and if it is over 126mg/dL chances are very good that you have some form of diabetes. Most doctors will retest in a few days if you test positive to make sure that you did not get a false positive reading.
Once you have been diagnosed as a diabetic the next step is to figure out how to control your blood glucose levels.

In order to gain control you will need to use a glucose testing meter several times a day to find your blood sugar levels. If you are diagnosed with type 1 sugar diabetes you will be put on insulin therapy and will have to give yourself insulin several times a day as your body does not produce enough to control your blood glucose levels. You can do this with a needle and syringe, and insulin pen or an insulin pump that you have to wear on your body; your doctor will help decide which one is best for you.

You should also modify your diet and stick to a nutrition plan that has been created especially for someone with type 1 diabetes. This diet usually features lots of fruits and vegetables along with whole grains and lean meat; it is low in sodium, fat and cholesterol. While it is not known what causes type 1 diabetes, doctors do know how to control it well enough to allow you to lead a relatively normal life.