Type I diabetes
Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition previously known as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that is released by the pancreas which is used by our body to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. This condition takes place because the pancreas produces little or no insulin. If your body stops producing insulin, then blood sugar can’t get into cells and can’t build up in the bloodstream. Type 2 diabetes is often more common than type 1. About 5-10% of people have type 1 diabetes. That’s why more people don’t know how to prevent type 1 diabetes.
In This Article
Type 1 diabetes symptoms may develop in a few weeks or months. To notice the symptoms of type 1 diabetes takes months to years before they start to appear. But it is severe when appears. Some of the symptoms of other health conditions are the same as those of type 1 diabetes symptoms, so it gets difficult to guess. If you seem to be having the symptoms of type 1 diabetes, then do get your blood sugar tests done. If it remains untreated it will become very serious health problems. There are no such risk factors for type 1 diabetes. However, research shows that family history plays a significant role.
What causes type 1 diabetes
- No one knows the exact reason behind what causes type 1 diabetes. The main cause of type 1 diabetes is the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas, which normally fights against harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Other normal causes for type 1 diabetes:
- Genetics is also one of the causes of type 1 diabetes.
- Infection risk and additional environmental variables.
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Function of Insulin: When insulin-producing cells are destroyed, then the body stops producing insulin or produces little insulin. The pancreas present behind and beneath the stomach produces the hormone insulin. The pancreas liberates insulin into the bloodstream.
Sugar can enter the cells thanks to insulin's movement throughout the body. Because of no insulin, the level of sugar is reduced in blood bloodstream. Less insulin is released into the bloodstream by the pancreas when the blood sugar level falls. -
The part glucose plays: Glucose, a sugar, is an important source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues. Food and the liver are the main sources of glucose. Once sugar has entered the bloodstream, insulin aids in its entry into cells. Glycogen is used to store the glucose. When your blood sugar levels are low, as they are when you haven't eaten in a while, the liver turns the glycogen you've stored into glucose
Thus, glucose levels continue to be within the usual range. There is no insulin to allow glucose into the cells in type 1 diabetes. As a result, sugar piles up in the blood. Life-threatening consequences may result from this.
Type 1 diabetes test
- Your specialist will have you take one or more of the following after blood tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- A1C Test: The A1C test measures your normal blood sugar level over the past 2 or 3 months. An A1C below 5.7% is ordinary, between 5.7 and 6.4% shows you've prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher demonstrates you have got diabetes.
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: This measures your blood sugar after an overnight quick (not eating). A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or lower is ordinary, 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher shows you have diabetes.
- Glucose Resilience Test: This measures your blood sugar sometime recently and after you drink a fluid that contains glucose. You’ll quickly (not eat) overnight sometime recently the test and have your blood drawn to decide your fasting blood sugar level. At that point you’ll drink the fluid and have your blood sugar level checked 1 hour, 2 hours, and possibly 3 hours a while later. At 2 hours, a blood sugar level of 140 mg/dL or lower is considered typical, 140 to 199 mg/dL shows you have got prediabetes, and 200 mg/dL or higher demonstrates you have got diabetes.
- Irregular Blood Sugar Test: This measures your blood sugar at the time you’re tried. You'll be able to take this test at any time and don’t get too quick (not eat) to begin with. You have diabetes if your blood sugar level is 200 mg/dL or greater.
Type 1 diabetes cure
As of now, there’s no cure for type 1 diabetes. The most common treatment for sort 1 diabetes is giving lost affront through infusions or a pump. Furthermore, individuals with sort 1 diabetes may be endorsed for extra solutions and get rules for solid way-of-life adjustments.
What could be a natural cure for type 1 diabetes?
DRI analysts are working toward an organic remedy for type 1 diabetes. A natural remedy implies treatment that would aid the body to begin creating its claim affront once more, reestablishing blood sugars to ordinary levels without presenting other dangers.
This inquiry centers on a preparation called islet transplantation. Islets are clusters of cells found within the pancreas that work together to control blood sugar. In an islet transplant, specialists take sound islets from the pancreas of an organ donor and infuse them into somebody with sort 1 diabetes. In thinking about this, a few patients who had this method have been able to decrease the requirement for affront infusions or halt infusing affront through and through.
DRI researchers have as of now appeared that islet transplantation can dispose of the requirement for affront infusions. Presently they are working to progress the science so that more individuals can benefit from this treatment.
Type 1 diabetes treatment
- Basic treatment diabetes: Diabetes treatment involves managing blood glucose levels, which are the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Type 1 diabetes patients cannot produce insulin, causing high blood glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes patients have to take the recommended insulin, have a balanced diet, check their blood sugar levels at least every 2 months, and engage in regular physical activity to keep their blood sugar levels at healthy levels. However, there is no cure for diabetes, and treatment is necessary for life. Following the treatment plan can help prevent future diabetes issues.
- Taking Insulin: Type 1 diabetes patients require insulin injections to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Pills are not effective due to stomach and intestine digestion. Different types of insulin are used for different purposes, and daily injections depend on individual needs and schedules. Insulin injections are now painless due to smaller needles and insulin pumps. Your diabetes healthcare team will teach you how and when to administer insulin shots.
- Have a healthy and balanced diet: Type 1 diabetes patients need a balanced diet, focusing on carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They need to balance their food intake with insulin levels and activity levels to maintain normal blood sugar levels. A diabetes meal plan, created by the patient and healthcare team, includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner with scheduled snacks. The plan guides the selection of carb-rich foods and works with insulin levels. The plan should be flexible and tailored to the individual's age, activity level, and food preferences. It may also recommend limiting foods high in fat or calories and lacking vitamins and minerals, as excessive consumption can lead to weight gain or long-term health issues.
- Check regularly bold sugar levels: Blood sugar levels are crucial for maintaining a healthy diabetes treatment plan. Regular testing helps monitor the effectiveness of insulin injections and meal plans. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is recommended by diabetes care teams, which can measure blood sugar every few minutes around the clock. These readings can help troubleshoot and adjust insulin doses and management plans to improve blood sugar control. Additionally, doctors may send blood sugar tests to track blood sugar levels for the three months before the test.
- Regular exercise: Regular exercise is crucial for diabetes treatment, as it helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of other health issues like heart disease. Type 1 diabetes can benefit from various types of exercise, such as walking, biking, or team sports. Consult your diabetes healthcare team for specific exercise preparation and instructions.
Conclusion
People of all ages are capable of the chronic disease called Type 1 Diabetes. Although Type 1 Diabetes cannot be permanently cured, it can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment choices such as insulin therapy and blood glucose monitoring. With proper check ups and care people can live a healthy lifestyle. It is important to make awareness and educate it will improve early detection and help the individual with the condition manage their health.