Type 1 Diabetes
No one really knows what causes Type 1 Diabetes, but it has been related to heredity, in that people with certain genes are predisposed to develop the disease, also the immune system has also contributed to the cause. People with this type of diabetes MUST take insulin shots. That's why it is referred to as "insulin-dependent" diabetes. Less than one in ten people with diabetes have type 1. Although it usually begins when people are young, it may occur at any age.
Treatment of Type 1
You take insulin to keep your blood sugar controlled throughout the day. Your doctor or diabetes educator will determine the amount of your dose, how many times a day you should take it, and when you should take it. Some people may need to take insulin three or four times a day, while others may be able to control their blood sugar with only two injections. Treatment plans are different for different people.
Each person with diabetes is different. The amount of insulin you need depends on your body weight, body build (how much fat and muscle you have), level of physical activity, daily food intake, other medicines, emotions (such as your amount of stress) and general health.