20.8 million people suffer from diabetes in the United States. There are three kinds of diabetes, Type I, Type II and Gestational diabetes. Of the three, Type I affects 175.600 people, that’s .22%, according to the American Diabetes Association. What exactly causes the disease is still unclear. We do know that there are certain factors that can influence whether a person develops the disease.

Two 24 hour insulin types which are long acting are- ultralente insulin which prolongs the entry of insulin into the blood for four to six hours and remains active for 28 hours and ultra-long-acting glargine which is injected once a day. Its activity begins in just over an hour and is sustained at a relatively constant rate for 24 hours, without any peaks.

Unlike Type II, Type I diabetes is irreversible. Once diagnosed, Type I carries severe consequences if not cared for properly. Type I diabetes is when the body does not produce insulin anymore. Whether it’s because the pancreas is damaged or the cells that produce insulin have been destroyed, the metabolic processes that occur in healthy individuals aren’t working anymore. It is at this point that the pancreas needs outside help to function. Insulin is the only alternative. Warning signs that you may be in pre-diabetic stages include excessive thirst, excessive hunger, rapid Weight Loss, fatigue, irritability and mood swings. If you think you may be at risk, your doctor can perform tests to determine your blood sugar level and pancreas function.

When the sugar level in your blood is too high, you have diabetes. In Type I diabetes, the level of sugar is not only high, it is out of control. The reason being the body has stopped production of the required quantity of insulin. As a result, type I diabetes patient needs two to five insulin shots per day, to keep the blood sugar levels under control.

Rapid Weight Loss

There are more than 20 different kinds of insulin. They are either manufactured in a lab or derived from animals.

Irritability and mood changes

But, what were those warnings? You suddenly lost weight and then you thought that you were evolving into a fit personality. You used bathroom a lot, your hunger almost seized you and you were happy about it. When you became very thirsty, you thought that drinking lots of water is good for health. A nature cure fad had advised you about it. You had blurred vision, you got your eyes tested and you bought a glass and sunglass too. You felt tired but you thought that all hard and sincere workers get tired-not once a thought streaked into your mind, that you must have a check up! And you now have a life-long companion, Diabetes Type I.

Once acquired, Type I is life altering. There are many complications that can accompany diabetes if not cared for properly. These can include kidney disease, heart disease, skin and eye complications. Difficulty healing can occur.

In extreme cases, kidney, pancreas or islet cell transplants are needed.

Prevention is the best line of defense against developing diabetes. Education helps an individual learn the warning signs, before permanent damage to the pancreas takes place. Unfortunately, many people have the tendency to overlook symptoms. They contribute them to some other minor problem. For example, fatigue is brushed off as a result of working too late. It should be known, however, that life with Type I diabetes is manageable. Advances in medicine paired with information about living healthy gives diabetics a huge advantage over this disease. Ultimately it is left to the person to make healthy choices for his or her future.