What Are the Treatments for Type I Diabetes Caused by Viral Infection?

Type 1 diabetes, otherwise known as diabetes mellitus, is a major chronic illness in which the immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. This attack is believed to be triggered by a viral infection causing the immune system to attack the pancreas.

Diagnosis

• Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed by a physician, usually an endocrinologist specializing in the endocrine system, after a blood test is performed. Typically a person with type 1 will have many symptoms prior to diagnosis ranging from excessive thirst, dizziness, infections and even in extreme cases a diabetic coma. A blood test, called an A1c test, will show a person's average glucose reading over a three-month period and a C-peptide test will show if the patient's pancreas has been producing a sufficient amount of insulin.

Post Diagnosis

• A syringe is a key component in treating type 1 diabetes.

  Once an individual is clinically diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, his doctor will issue a prescription for insulin, as well as any associated products for glucose maintenance such as needles, lancets and a glucometer. The patient will then be referred to a diabetes educator, a trained registered nurse who will assist in the patient's learning of daily maintenance and management of the disease. The nurse will assist the newly diagnosed with checking his blood sugar, counting carbohydrates and administering insulin shots.

Treatment Options

• Unfortunately, there is not a cure for type 1 diabetes. Once the immune system has attacked the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, there is no recourse other than insulin therapy. All type 1 diabetics use insulin therapy to manage their condition. Insulin can be administered in a few different ways. There are vials of insulin holding usually 1000mg which is administered through the skin with a syringe. Smaller amounts of insulin are housed in pre-filled syringes called pens which can be easier to carry around. Insulin pumps deliver insulin via tubing connecting to a vial of insulin which is then carried through the tube to an injection site. Insulin has an expiration date of usually 30 days after opening and is temperature sensitive.

Glucose Management

• The key to treatment for type 1 diabetics is maintaining an healthy average of glucose levels. Type 1 diabetics must keep a constant watch over their glucose levels through either a glucometer, or the use of a meter and a continuous glucose monitor. Fasting glucose levels range from 70 to 140 mg/dl and post-meal averaging less than 160 mg/dl. A diabetic must take action to maintain her glucose levels to avoid complications from high or low blood sugar.

Carbohydrate Counting

• A type 1 diabetic makes efforts daily to balance his blood sugar by examining the carbohydrates he consumes, as well as constantly checking his blood sugar. A newly diagnosed diabetic must calculate his carb-to-insulin ratio to assist him in counting carbohydrates every meal. A diabetic who has a ratio of 15g to 1 unit would administer 1 unit of insulin for every 15 grams of carbohydrates consumed. A calculation must also be done for correcting high blood sugar and this is most effectively done with the assistance of a diabetes educator or physician.

Successful Management

• There are many type 1 diabetics who live a complication-free life. Once the habits are set for daily maintenance and balance, coping with diabetes can be easier than it looks. Establishing a good relationship with a trusted doctor or diabetes educator, as well as finding a diabetes community online or in person to communicate with can be essential for the emotional side of dealing with this illness.