Final answer:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that destroys insulin-secreting beta cells, leading to insulin deficiency. It is typically diagnosed in younger individuals and requires lifelong insulin therapy, beginning with an insulin drip and eventually transitioning to long-acting insulin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas. This leads to a deficiency in insulin, a crucial hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. Juvenile diabetes, another term for type 1 diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. The onset of symptoms, such as hyperglycemia, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and extreme fatigue, can appear suddenly, indicating significant beta cell destruction.
The pathophysiology involves T-cell-mediated destruction of islet cells, the presence of insulin autoantibodies, and antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase. Although the exact cause is unknown, genetic susceptibility combined with environmental factors, including possible viral infections, appear to play a role. The long-term treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes will involve lifelong insulin therapy as their bodies cannot produce insulin on their own.
Insulin therapy for people with type 1 diabetes may start with an insulin drip and intravenous fluids (IVF) to stabilize blood glucose levels. Potassium supplementation is often necessary, and blood glucose levels, as well as the anion gap, are closely monitored. Once the patient is stable and can tolerate oral intake, they are usually transitioned to a long-acting insulin, such as glargine, for continuous management.