Healthcare Services

Type 1 Diabetes Care in Houston

At St. Hope Healthcare in Houston, we understand the importance of care and support for individuals and families seeking safe and consistent type 1 diabetes management. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans, education and resources to help patients manage their type 1 diabetes and improve their overall quality of life.

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes, is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body is unable to produce insulin. Unlike type 2 diabetes, which is associated with insulin resistance, type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells located in the pancreas.



As a result, individuals with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy to regulate their blood sugar levels.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Viral infections or exposure to certain toxins may also play a role in initiating the autoimmune response that leads to beta cell destruction. Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in children, adolescents and young adults.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The onset of type 1 diabetes is often rapid and may be accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• Increased hunger
• Irritability and mood changes
• Ketones in the urine

While type 1 diabetes can be properly managed, if left untreated, it can lead to a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This condition is characterized by dangerously high levels of ketones in the blood. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent the serious complications that could result from DKA.

Treatment and Management for Type 1 Diabetes in Houston

At St. Hope Healthcare, we provide a variety of evidence-based treatment methods for children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. The primary treatment for type 1 diabetes is insulin therapy. The goal of insulin therapy is to mimic the body's natural insulin production and maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. This treatment replaces the insulin that the body is unable to produce and may be administered through multiple daily injections or continuous subcutaneous infusion using an insulin pump.

Besides insulin therapy, individuals with type 1 diabetes must monitor their blood sugar levels regularly using a glucose meter or some form of continuous glucose monitor. They also must adhere to a well-balanced diet, a regular exercise regimen and a medication regimen as prescribed by their healthcare provider. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels helps individuals adjust their insulin doses and make appropriate lifestyle modifications to prevent episodes of hypo or hyperglycemia.

Because there are millions of people living with diabetes in the United States, medical device manufacturers and doctors have invested significant time and resources into developing new tools and treatment options that make living with the condition easier. This is especially important for parents of children and young people with type 1 diabetes, especially when regular monitoring and blood sugar management can be burdensome and intrusive.



St. Hope Healthcare can help you develop a type 1 diabetes management plan that works for your family.

Living Well with Type 1 Diabetes

Living with type 1 diabetes requires careful management and ongoing support from healthcare providers, family members and peers. Individuals with type 1 diabetes need to stay informed about their condition, monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and communicate openly with their healthcare team about any concerns or challenges they may encounter along the way.

With proper self-management techniques, adherence to treatment recommendations and support from their healthcare team, individuals with type 1 diabetes can lead active, healthy lives and reduce the risk of complications associated with the condition.

Effective Type 1 Diabetes Management in Houston

At St. Hope Healthcare, we are committed to providing comprehensive care and support to individuals and families seeking effective, safe and minimally intrusive type 1 diabetes management strategies.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, our team is here to support you. Schedule an appointment on our website today and learn more about how we can assist in the management of type 1 diabetes, or give us a call at (713) 778-1300.