Type 1 Diabetes and Children

This site was designed to give helpful information and resources about Type 1 Diabetes.

If you are visiting us for the first time, welcome. If not, welcome back. 

 My name is Jennifer and I am the creator of this site. I created this site for my son, Logan who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on April 21, 2006.  

 I hope that the information provided will help you and/or your child take the next step in controlling diabetes.  Remember that you are not alone and if you have any questions or comments please feel free to ask in our forum or chat. 

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the body's immune system destroys the beta cells.  Normally, the immune system attacks foreign objects that try to harm the body such as viruses and bacteria. No one knows why the immune system but some scientist think that viruses or environmental chemical toxins may induce the attack.  the body develops autoantibodies including islet cell autoantibodies (ICA), insulin autoantibodies (IAA), antibodies to glumatic acid decarboxylase (GAD), and antibodies to the tyrosine phosphates (IA-2 and IA-2B).  If you think your child may be a diabetic, he/she will be checked for these antibodies.

Type 1 Diabetes is diagnosed when the fasting plasma blood sugar level is 126 mg/dl or higher or the blood sugar level 2 hours after eating is above 200 mg/dl.  

When someone has Type 1 Diabetes, little or no insulin is produced by the beta cells. This causes blood sugar levels to rise.The cells of the body begin to starve because glucose cannot enter the cell without insulin. The cells then begin to break down body fat for energy. 

Normal Glucose Metabolism

The normal blood sugar level in a person without diabetes is between 60-100 mg/dl, before eating a meal, and less than 140 mg/dl two hours after eating a meal.  Glucose (sugar) is the body's major source for energy. The majority of the glucose in the bloodstream come from food eaten in the form of complex carbohydrates and simple sugars. Insulin is needed to allow blood sugar to enter the body cell. The body cell uses glucose for energy.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. The pancreas is located behind the stomach and is responsible for many functions besides blood sugar control. The portion of the pancreas responsible for blood sugar control is a group of cells known as the islet of Langerhans.  The normal pancreas contains about 100,000 islets. Several types of cells are found in the islets.  The cells of the islets that make insulin are called beta cells.  The beta cells are capable of measuring the blood sugar and releasing the perfect amount of insulin in order to maintain a normal blood sugar level.

Insulin is released by the beta cells in two phases. First phase insulin release occurs during the first 15 minutes of eating food. It is the insulin that has already been produced and waiting for release. The second phase insulin release is more sustained and is the insulin that is newly made by the beta cells after eating food.

The islets of Langerhans also have a cell called the alpha cells. Alpha cells produce glucagon. Glucagon raises blood sugar levels.  In a person without diabetes, the islets release a careful balance of insulin and glucagon to maintain a normal blood sugar level. It is almost impossible to raise the blood sugar level to an abnormal level in individuals without diabetes because the beta cells constantly check blood sugar and are able to keep it normal.

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Famous Quotes from CWT

Famous Quotes from CWT

Site Updated: 

11/6/2006

Did you remember........

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Give to a great cause.......

Diabetes is a disease that affects 21.8 million children and adults just in the United States.  With your help and support, we can help scientist find a cure so our children can be healthier and stronger.  If you would like to make a donation to help with the diabetes research, you can make a donation on this site or contact your local hospital for more information.  Thank you in advance for your support.