Diabetes Type1
Diagnosis
Source: NHS
In this topic (11)
It's important for diabetes to be diagnosed early so treatment can be started as soon as possible.
If you experience the symptoms of diabetes, visit your GP as soon as possible. They'll ask about your symptoms and may request blood and urine tests.
Your urine sample will be tested for glucose. Urine doesn't normally contain glucose, but glucose canpass fromthe kidneys into your urine if you have diabetes.
If your urine contains glucose, a specialised blood tests known as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) can be used to determine whether you have diabetes.
Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test
The glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test can be used to diagnose diabetes. It can also be used to show how well diabetes is being controlled.
The HbA1c test gives your average blood glucose level over the previous two to three months. The results can indicate whether the measures you're taking to control your diabetes are working, by meeting agreed personal targets.
If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, it's recommended that you have your HbA1c measured at least twice a year. However, you may need to have your HbA1c measured more frequently if:
- you've recently been diagnosed with diabetes
- your blood glucose remains too high
- your treatment plan has been changed
The HbA1c test can be carried out at any time of day and doesn't require any special preparation, such as fasting. However, it's less reliable in certain situations, such as during pregnancy.
The advantages associated with the HbA1c test make it the preferred method of assessing how well blood glucose levels are being controlled in a person with diabetes.
HbA1c is also increasingly being used as a diagnostic test for type 2 diabetes, and as a screening test for people at high risk of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes in children
The majority of children who develop diabetes will have type 1 diabetes.
You'll need to manage your child's condition as part of your daily life, but you'll be introduced to a specialist diabetes care team who can help you to come to terms with any challenges.
Articles for Diabetes Type1
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Cricket star Wasim Akrams glittering career included dealing with numerous injuries, clearing his name after match-fixing allegations and coping with type 1 diabetes.
"I thought everyone at school would think I was injecting drugs"
Chandler Bennett was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in October 2004. She maintains a positive attitude to life and has learned to manage her condition.
"It affects African-Caribbean people and Asian people severely"
Nurse consultant in diabetes, Grace Vanterpool MBE, talks about her work supporting people with diabetes and raising awareness of the condition.
Causes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to control the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. Type 1 diabetes is often inherited (runs in families), so the autoimmune reaction may also be genetic.
Complications
If diabetes isn't treated, it can lead to a number of different health problems. High glucose levels can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs. Even a mildly raised glucose level that doesn'tcause any symptoms can have damaging effects in the long term.
Diagnosis
It's important for diabetes to be diagnosed early so treatment can be started as soon as possible. If you experience the symptoms of diabetes , visit your GP as soon as possible. They'll ask about your symptoms and may request blood and urine tests.
I feel blessed that I had this operation and it worked well
Ivy Ashworth-Crees, 59, talks about how much better her life is since her double kidney and pancreas transplant.
Introduction
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
Living with
If you have type 1 diabetes, you'll need to look after your health very carefully. You have to start eating a healthy balanced diet, exercise regularly, quit smoking, limit your alcohol, etc.
Symptoms
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes can develop very quickly (over a few days or weeks), particularly in children. In older adults, the symptoms can often take longer to develop (a few months).
Treatment
If you have type 1 diabetes, you'll probably need insulin injections. Treatment for diabetes aims to keep your blood glucose levels as normal as possible and to control your symptoms.
