DEAR DR. GOTT: I have followed your reports, questions and answers in the paper but I have not seen anything on type 1 diabetes. My granddaughter was diagnosed a year ago and to date there has been no information available out there. She is 17 and has a problem with her diet. Her doctor has been no help to her or the family in regard with what to do. She takes insulin and watches her carbs but so far the information we have found is very limited. Is there any that you could give that would help in treating this disease? I would be ever so grateful.
DEAR READER: After first reading your question, I was quite shocked that you were unable to find adequate information. A quick internet search of “diabetes type 1” brings up several reliable websites, to include the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org), the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org), the National Institutes of Health (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus), the Mayo Clinic(www.mayoclinic.com), the University of Maryland Medical Center (www.umm.edu), and more. I have included the links for your perusal but will provide some information about the condition, treatment and where to get help.
Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes, isn’t as common as its counterpart, type 2 diabetes. It is primarily diagnosed in children and young adults but can occur in anyone at any age. In those diagnosed with type 1 after the age of 30, the condition may be the result of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), also know as diabetes type 1.5. Many of the patients in this category are mistakenly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The primary difference between types 1 and 2 is insulin. With type 1, the pancreas doesn’t make insulin. With type 2, the pancreas makes insulin but the body becomes resistant to it.
Treatment for type 1 diabetes is insulin injections (or the implantation of an insulin pump for delivery). It is also vital to make dietary and exercise changes and keep strict watch over sugar levels. Often, sufferers must test levels six or more times a day to avoid blood sugar highs and lows. Those diagnosed should also wear (and the American Diabetes Association recommends) a medic-alert bracelet or necklace so that in the event of an emergency, first responders will be able to immediately know of the condition and take appropriate steps. For example, if your granddaughter were to miss an insulin dose or miscalculate the dosage, she could experience a very high or very low blood sugar count which could cause her to pass out. By having the alert, medics would know enough to check blood sugar levels first to determine if this is the cause of the collapse, thus avoiding a lengthier exam.
You granddaughter should also be under the care of an endocrinologist familiar with diabetes type 1, especially given that her physician has been of little assistance following her diagnosis. He or she will also be your best source for further information regarding treatment, diet, exercise, and what to expect in the future.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Report “Living with Diabetes” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title when writing or print an order form from my website, www. AskDrGottMD.com.
