Diabetes is a metabolic disease that occurs when the blood sugar levels increase high up in the body. The disease itself is associated with creating the obstacle for insulin production in the body. Diabetes isn’t something to be taken lightly off as it has its profound scenarios and along list of complications associated with it.
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Synopsis
Type 1 Diabetes is something that affects our immunity system and destroys the beta cells present in the pancreas. The beta cells of the pancreas are the ones that make the insulin in the body. The damage to the pancreas and its beta cells means insulin dips well down below the requirement in the body.
Why Insulin is highly regarded?
Insulin on its part is liable for the production of sugar or glucose into energy for our cells. It helps move the glucose to the cells and keeps us healthy and sound. However, damage to insulin would mean high content of sugar in the blood. That would certainly result in high blood sugar levels.
What would high blood sugar cause?
High blood sugar is marked with causing dehydration in the body which results in the urge to pee at almost every interval. It further leads to weight loss along with damage to the overall body in the longer run.
Another major upset caused by high blood sugar levels is diabetic acidosis where the body is flooded with dehydration, acid build-up and high levels of glucose. The situation can be life-threatening for many.
Who are the major victims of Type 1 Diabetes?
Looking into the different types of diabetes and patients suffering from it, Type 1 seems rarer than the other ones. Around 5% of diabetic patients suffer from Type 1 at present. The disease is common in the white people rather than the African and Asian.
The disease shows symptoms during early teenage years and occurs mostly to the people under 20 years of age. That’s why it is also known as previously juvenile diabetes.
The Cause of Type 1 Diabetes
The thing about Type 1 Diabetes is that the major cause is still an unresolved mystery till date. However, genes come into play when causing Type 1 Diabetes, of which have been researched on. It can also occur as a result of environmental changes where the immune system attacks the pancreas. The said attack is also known by as auto antibodies. And then there are a few autoimmune diseases like Vitiligo or Grave’s disease that can cause it.
The symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
We’ll list on the major symptoms regarding Type 1 Diabetes down below for you to read upon. Go on.
- Increased hunger
- Un quenched thirst
- Dryness in mouth
- Vomiting and Nauseating
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Unexpected weight loss
- Tiredness and Fatigue
- Frequent infections in the skin areas
- Heavy breathing
Furthermore, here’s a few warning signs often seen in some cases.
- Rapid breathing of the lungs
- Confusion and shaking of the mind and the body
- Sense of fruity smell in breathing
- Pain in the stomach and belly region
How to diagnose Type 1 Diabetes?
A constant check on the blood sugar levels will help determine diabetes on a general note. However, as things stand, urine tests are frequent to find out whether someone is suffering from Type 1 diabetes. The tests reveal the level of insulin in the body.
Managing Type 1 Diabetes By Treatment & Diet
Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t spell the end of the road for the patient. Many people live a healthy and long life ever after being diagnosed with this type of diabetes. The key is to balance your blood sugar levels and keep it within the optimum mark laid down by the medical professional. A routine check on the blood sugar levels will give valuable insight on the body’s insulin levels.
However, everyone suffering from Type 1 Diabetes need to undergo insulin injects into their bloodstream on a regular basis. There are different types of insulin available in the market these days ranging from the rapid working ones to long acting ones. The rapid working ones start their work within 15 minutes and last till 2 to 4 hrs. While the long-acting ones last around 24 hrs. The other options like regular or immediate acting works from anywhere between 3 to 6 hrs. for regular short acting ones and 12 to 18 hrs. for immediate acting ones.
The insulin can be injected into the body or can be taken in inhaled version or even via pump basis at your discretion.
The diet and lifestyle plan
Not everything can be based on medications. Relying solely on the medications would be a grave mistake when treating Type 1 Diabetes. Always include proper diet and ample exercise to keep your body on track. A proper diet and workout would help manage blood sugar levels in the body.
Here’s what your diet plan should look like
- Healthy dose of Carbs and Proteins
- Inclusion of monounsaturated fats and Omega-3 fatty acids
- Whole grains
- Vegetables and Fruits
- Lentils and Legumes
The complications associated with Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes won’t necessarily keep you bed ridden or cost you much of your life. However, if uncontrolled for, then the Type 1 Diabetes may result in further life threatening cases like-
Kidney Damage
- The risk of diabetic kidney disease is ever on the high with the patients suffering from diabetes. The symptoms won’t show up straightaway but will float to the surface after 10 to 20 years of the first diagnosis. At present, almost 15% to 25% of patients suffering from Type 1 Diabetes will end up with diabetic kidney disease.
Eyesight Related Issues
- Almost 80% of the people diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes end up suffering from eye problems and issues after 15 years of the first Always keep your blood sugar levels and blood pressure in control.
Nerve Related Issues
- It’s often common to see the people suffering from diabetics end up with hardened arteries over the years. That often leads to the damaged nerve which might cause the wounds to open up and not heal properly. In the end, in extreme cases, there are chances that one needs to do away with their limbs to prevent the wound’s open sores.
Well, that’s all from us on this one. We’ll be back with another one in the near future. Stay tuned.