Type 1 Diabetes: Recently Diagnosed - Cause
Type 1 diabetes develops because the body's defense system (immune system) tells the body to destroy the beta cells in the pancreas that make insulin. It's not known what causes this immune response. Some people inherit the risk for type 1 diabetes. But even these people may not develop type 1 diabetes unless other factors, such as exposure to certain viral infections, are present.
- In infants and children, the beta cells usually are destroyed rapidly, resulting in a sudden rise in blood sugar level and a sudden onset of diabetes symptoms.
- In adults, the cells often are destroyed more slowly, resulting in a slower rise in blood sugar level and a slower onset of diabetes symptoms.
Certain genes make a person more susceptible while other genes seem to protect the person from the disease. A complex interaction between a person's genes and some environmental factors, such as having enteroviral infections-especially Coxsackie B infections-may increase the risk of developing the disease, but it does not mean that the person will definitely develop the disease.
Colleen Schultz was stunned to learn that her blood sugar level was high during a routine doctor visit in the fall of 2010. Though she did not have diabetes, her results were in the prediabetes range. "I was very upset," says Schultz, a drapery fabricator in Voorheesville, N.Y. "It was depressing thinking I was falling apart. I didn't want to take medications for the rest of my life." Her doctor gave her a prescription, which Schultz tried and then decided she'd rather focus on her doctor's other...
Read the The Dangers of Prediabetes article > >
In the past, experts thought that vaccines caused diabetes. But studies have found no link between getting a vaccination and getting type 1 diabetes.1
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Type 1 Diabetes: Recently Diagnosed Topics
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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