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WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes Mellitus type 1, otherwise known as Type 1 Diabetes, is a disease resulting from the destruction of beta-cells in the pancreas. The lack of these cells, otherwise responsible for the creation of insulin, translates into a lack of insulin, a necessary hormone in the transfer of glucose from the blood to tissue cells.

Basically, insulin acts as a bridge between the bloodflow and cells: as an individual eats, they consume carbohydrates, or sugars, that pass into the bloodflow. These sugars are then absorbed and stored in cells, that use them to create energy that the body needs to function.

Without these beta-cells, and without this insulin, the body has no way of getting glucose, or sugar, into the cells so that it can eventually be transformed into energy. Without energy, the body progressively shuts down, and unless insulin is administered externally, the consequences can be severe and even fatal.

Early detection and treatment are extremely important, and can even save lives. Common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes are frequent urination, an increased thirst, increased hunger, weight loss, freqent fatigue, and lack of concentration. These symptoms are the manifestation of the body trying to get sugar into its' cells, and if this isn't possible, it starts to look for sugar elsewhere, such as in muscle and fat tissue.

HOW DO YOU CONTROL IT?

Type 1 Diabetes can be treated through the injection of insulin to replace what that the body would otherwise produce. Everytime an individual eats, they must subsequently inject themselves with a quantity of insulin proportional to the quantity of carbohydrates in their food.

In most instances, diabetes doesn't interfere with the individual's normal activities. Although one must carefully regulate the progression of their blood-glucose level, there are no activities a patient who controls well their diabetes can't do. They are no different than any other person. Another common misconception is that diabetics cannot eat certain foods. Likewise, as long as the individual takes enough insulin to regulate of the quantity of carbohydrates in their meal, there is no reason why they shouldn't be able eat certain foods.

A last important misconception is that diabetes is the result of eating too much sugar. This is also false, the disease being purely coincidental and random. Although research has been done on whether or not diabetes can be inherited, results have been inconclusive.

The main complication associated with diabetes is the regulation of high and low blood-sugar. Blood-sugar is defined as the quantity of sugar found in an individual's bloodflow, and the average blood-sugar level for a normal person is between 80 and 120 mg of glucose for 1 dL of blood. A low blood-sugar (under 80 mg/dL) can lead to sweating, shaking, a rapid heartbeat, immediate lack of concentration and overall weakness, and eventually fainting if carbohydrates aren't eaten immediately. A high blood-sugar (usually over 200 mg/dL) however, manifests itself by fatigue, increased thirst and urination amongst other symptoms, and long-term damage to organs.

IS THERE A CURE?

In itself, there is no cure to type 1 diabetes. The destruction of beta-cells is irreversible, and the ensuing diabetes is for life. However, revolutionary work is being done in order to either halt the destruction of beta-cells, or help make the lives of diabetics much easier:

HOW CAN I HELP?

One never outgrows diabetes. Those affected by it not only have live with the challenges that it poses, but also have to combat a lack of public awareness. Let's Cure Diabetes! is a project with the goal to spread awareness, and also help to better the lives of those affected by diabetes.

For that reason, I ask you to share this website with friends, family. The more people are aware of what diabetes actually entails, the more we can make a difference.