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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What causes type 1 diabetes?

    Related Topics
    Endocrinology Type 1 Diabetes
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    Diabetes Australia

    Diabetes Australia is the national peak body for diabetes in Australia providing a single, powerful, collective voice for people living with diabetes, their families and … View Profile

    The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not yet known, but we do know it has a strong family link and cannot be prevented. We also know that it has nothing to do with lifestyle, although maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important in helping to manage type 1 diabetes.

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    Inger Wang

    Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE), Diabetes Educator

    I'm a Credentialed diabetes educator I work together with 2 endocrinologists. I'm specialized in type 1 diabetes, insulin pump therapy and sport and diabetes. I … View Profile

    If your daughter is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes she will require insulin from an out side source. Insulin is being produced in the pancreas but if she has type one diabetes her ability to produce insulin will be compromised by her own immune system. Insulin can be delivered by injecting insulin or through an insulin pump. She will need insulin injections on a daily basis. Diabetes is a life long condition but it can be managed successfully.

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    Denise Burbidge

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    Denise is an Accredited Practising Dietitian working in private practice in Melbourne, and consulting to aged care facilities throughout Victoria. Denise has a particular interest … View Profile

    While the cause of Type 1 Diabetes is still being researched, we know that the mechanism involves the destruction of the panceas cells that product insulin. We also know that there are genetic links to the risk of developing type 1 diabetes and therefore we often see diabetes running in families. Without usual insulin production the body is unable to regulate blood sugar leves. For people diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes insulin therapy via pump or injections is required to be matched to metabolic needs and carbohydrate food intake.

    Denise Burbidge - DIETITIAN
    www.thefoodclinic.com.au

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  • Dr Stephen Leow

    HealthShare Member

    Any process that destroys the Beta Cells of the Islets of Langerhans of the Pancreas causes Type 1 Diabetes, which is characterised by very low Insulin production. Sometimes the process is mechanical, ie actual destruction of the pancreas but more than often, it is auto immune, that is, the body form antibodies that destroy the Beta Cells. This can be detected by a blood test detecting GAD and is usually done to confirm Type 1 Diabetes. There has been an increase in the incidence of Type 1 Diabetes, as with many other auto immnune diseases, which is thought to be related to the way we live.

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