Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. When the body can no longer regulate blood sugar levels, daily injections of insulin are required to sustain life. While the cause of type 1 diabetes is not known, it is generally believed that environment and genetics play a key role.

Millions of people suffer from the disease and they are all susceptible to the complications that come with it. Cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, vision problems, nerve damage, foot and skin problems and depression are a few of the major complications associated with it. Because of the seriousness of these complications a diabetes self management program is mandatory for people who are give a type 1 diagnosis.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms may include: excessive thirst, frequent urination, high blood sugar levels in the urine and blood, extreme hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, nausea and irritability.

For those with type 1 diabetes seeking help with their diabetes self management plan, educational programs have been developed to aid patients in this endeavor. Dietitians and certified diabetes educators who are experts in diabetes management, staff the best of these programs. Topics like blood sugar control, tracking carbohydrate intake, exercise and diet recommendations and insulin self-injection are covered. These healthcare professionals put together a regimen of diabetes self management that is suited to their particular requirements. When these plans are followed closely, patients tend to have fewer complications and they feel better too. Patients are typically sent to them by way of physician referral.

Patients who follow a certain routine in their lives tend to adapt to a type 1 diabetes self management plan better than those who do not. Those with hectic and constantly changing routines have a more difficult adjustment.

Diabetes self management typically involves the patient giving his or herself daily injections of insulin. Another option is the use of an insulin pump. This device, which is about the size of a cell phone and worn about the waist, is attached to a catheter implanted under the skin. The pump injects the patient with insulin around the clock in tiny amounts as needed. It can be removed when necessary and insulin doses can be easily changed when necessary to keep blood sugar in check. The pump is a very convenient option because if your eating schedule is interrupted the dosage is easily adjustable.

Women who are pregnant and have diabetes must take extreme precautions to avoid their child having a birth defect. Blood glucose levels need to be monitored without fail. Successful diabetes self management is of benefit to all who have the disease, including the unborn.

Developing a good type 1 diabetes self management plan requires becoming educated about the disease in general, understanding what the complications are, and learning the skills necessary to take care of yourself. Remember, diabetes if treated early and properly is manageable.