Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder associated with defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, and is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

The risk of cardiovascular disease is increased in people with diabetes. Of the more than 200,000 Americans with diabetes who die annually due to diabetes-related complications, most die of coronary heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney disease, and limb amputation in the United States.

Although the cause of diabetes is not known, both genetics and environmental factors, such as obesity and lack of exercise, appear to play roles.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which results in the destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, usually leading to an absolute deficiency of insulin.

It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes. Up to 800,000 persons are estimated to have Type 1 diabetes, with about 30,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Although type 1 diabetes usually develops before 30 years of age, it can occur at any age. In fact, one-third of the cases of type 1 diabetes are diagnosed in adulthood, but diagnosis is rare after age 45.

The goals of treatment for people with diabetes is to maximize quality and length of life by:

• Providing education and training to manage the disease and its treatment
• Developing an understanding to facilitate coping with new challenges
• Controlling the risk of damage to the eye, kidney, foot and arterial circulation
• Early detection and management of any complications of diabetes

Treatment for anyone with diabetes must include reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially control of blood pressure, cessation of smoking, and correction of cholesterol and lipid abnormalities.

Learn more by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook on Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, the most comprehensive, up-to-date source of information available. You will get answers to your questions, including:

• What are the risk factors of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
• What standard and alternative treatment options are available?
• Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus research and treatment?
• What are the results of the latest clinical trials?
• Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area?
• What are the promising new treatments on the horizon?

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