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.

More than a million Americans suffer from type 1 diabetes. Heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and circulation problems leading to amputation are some of the complications associated with it. Therefore, having a comprehensive diabetes self management program in place is necessary for those who are diagnosed with this disease.

Some common type 1 diabetes symptoms are: excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss in spite of excessive hunger, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue and absence of menstruation.

Educational programs are available to help those with the disease in developing their diabetes self management skills. These programs often have certified diabetes educators and dietitians on their staff who are highly trained in diabetes management. When patients begin one of these programs they are typically advised about monitoring blood sugar levels on a regular basis, keeping track of the carbohydrates that they consume, making changes to their diet and exercise regimen and then developing a routine of insulin injection to match their needs. Patients are usually referred to these programs by their physicians.

Getting a patient started on a type 1 diabetes self management plan tends to be easier if the patient already has a structured schedule. People who travel a lot, work odd hours, or are caregivers themselves have a harder time adjusting.

Insulin self-injection is a skill that must be learned when undertaking diabetes self management. Many patients however prefer using an insulin pump that is worn around the waist. About the size of a pager, this device which is connected to a catheter implanted under the skin and injects insulin as needed in small doses. This often feels more natural to the patient and the pump is simply detached when needed for activities like taking a shower or swimming. And when blood sugar levels change it's easy to adjust the dose.

It is of utmost importance that pregnant women who have have diabetes keep their blood sugar in check. While everyone coping with the disease should see improvements in the way they feel, proper diabetes self management is especially necessary for pregnant women because failure to control their blood sugar increases the chances that their baby could have an abnormality.

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.