Type 1 Diabetes Management
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Valley Diabetes & Obesity
Gopika Gangupantula, MD, DABOM, FAAFP, BC-ADM, CDCES
Diabetes and Obesity Specialist & Family Physician located in Modesto, CA
With fellowship training in diabetes, Dr. Gangupantula specializes in providing diabetes management services. Type 1 Diabetes involves a severe lack of insulin, requiring critical care and management. Schedule an appointment at Valley Diabetes & Obesity in Modesto, California to have Dr. Gangupantula assess your personal needs. She will guide you through the proper steps to maintain your health while acknowledging your personal experience.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes emerges in people who suffer a complete lack of insulin. The body’s immune system destroys the cells that release insulin, eventually eliminating its production from your body. Our bodies need insulin to absorb sugar (glucose) into our cells and produce energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in your blood and leaves your cells starving. This imbalance creates high blood sugar and obstructs natural bodily functions and processes, such as:
- Dehydration - Extra sugar in your blood prompts your body to urinate more frequently in an effort to get rid of it. Your body dehydrates as large amounts of necessary water leaves your body.
- Weight loss - Calories exit with the glucose that leaves your body, causing you to lose weight.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) - Without enough glucose, your body breaks down fat cells instead, creating acidic ketones. This life-threatening combination of extra glucose, dehydration, and acid buildup is known as ketoacidosis.
- Damage to your body - Over time, high glucose levels can harm the nerves and small blood vessels in your eyes, kidneys, and heart.
Dr. Gopika Gangupantula provides measures for insulin management, ensuring minimal variability in blood sugars to prevent hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
Who gets Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is relatively rare, with only about 5% of the diabetic population affected. Statistically speaking, men and women are equally prone to having it. Its onset usually occurs among individuals under 20, although it can occur at any age.
What causes Type 1 Diabetes?
The explicit factors that cause Type 1 Diabetes aren’t fully known, but genetic factors are known to play a role. Environmental factors also are observed to have an effect. In the case of autoantibodies, for example, a virus signals your immune system to attack your pancreas. Type 1 Diabetes can also be a comorbid condition alongside other autoimmune diseases.
What are symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes?
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes are often subtle but can grow severe over time. Signs you should look out for include:
- Heavy thirst
- Increased hunger (particularly after eating)
- Dry mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in your belly
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss, even when you’re eating regularly
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Heavy, labored breathing
- Frequent infections of the skin, urinary tract, or vagina
Signs implying an emergency case with Type 1 Diabetes include:
- Shaking and confusion
- Rapid breathing
- Fruity smell to your breath
- Pain in your belly
- Rare cases of losing consciousness
Type 1 diabetes is a serious condition requiring medical treatment. ContactDr. Gangupantula as soon as you notice any symptoms of this condition.
