Diabetes mellitus type 1 is also called type 1 diabetes or juvenile diabetes. It is a type of diabetes caused by the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Lack of insulin production, that regulates blood sugar in the body, leads to increased levels of glucose in the blood and urine. Type 1 diabetes develops in children and young adults but it can be diagnosed at any age. It is equally distributed among males and females.
The cause of type 1diabetes is complex and not fully known Beta cell destruction is believed to be the result of immune dysfunction. Individuals with type 1 diabetes have an inherited or genetic predisposition to the disease that may be triggered by a virus or chemical. Beta cell destruction happens as the body’s white blood cells that fight infection mistakenly attack the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells.
Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms
The most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes are frequent urination and increased thirst and hunger. Some individuals show no signs or symptoms of diabetes until medical care is needed.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes occur when blood sugar levels are too high. Signs of high blood sugar include fatigue, involuntary weight loss, blurred vision and dehydration.
Sudden onset of deep and rapid breathing, dry skin and mouth, flushed face, fruity, sweet or odor to the breath that is a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, nausea, and stomach pain can be the first symptoms of type 1 diabetes. Left untreated, symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to coma and death.
Type 1 diabetic taking insulin can develop low blood sugar also known as hypoglycemia. Symptoms start appearing when the blood sugar level fall below 70 mg/dL, making it important to check blood sugar levels throughout the day with a glucometer. Headache, hunger, nervousness, palpitations, shaking, sweating and weakness are signs of low blood sugar.
Type 1 diabetes Diet
Diet plays a pivotal role in controlling type 1 diabetes. Patients need to focus on the effect of diet for controlling the disease and should work hard to lower the risk factors.
Type 1 diabetics cannot function without a healthy balanced diet that includes portion control. The quantity, type and timing of meals are vital for disease management. It is obligatory to have fruits and vegetables in optimum measures daily. Foods with carbohydrates have the greatest impact on blood sugar levels. Patients need to pay particular attention to starchy foods like breads, cereals, potatoes, pasta, rice and starchy vegetable. Different types of carbohydrate foods have different effects in raising the blood glucose level after a meal. Some foods like cornflakes rapidly get digested into glucose while some take longer time.
For individuals with type 1 diabetes food intake must be closely matched with insulin injections. Proteins and fats also have effects on blood glucose levels. Excessive proteins get converted into glucose by the liver, increasing blood sugar levels.
Fat slows down the rise in blood glucose after a meal. But having fats does not mean having a healthy diet. Patients should consult their doctors about whether they need to have snacks in between their meals.
Delayed or missed meals are the most common cause of hyperglycemia or low blood sugar. Thus it is most important to have a healthy, nutritious and a balanced diet.
It is a popular myth that patients with diabetes should avoid eating sugar. Sweets are eaten in moderation and used to raise blood sugar levels when they fall too low.
Management
It is not possible to cure type 1 diabetes. However certain precautions and daily routines can help manage the disease. Consuming a healthy diet is important, combined with medication compliance and daily activity. Education for type 1 diabetes is individualized based on lifestyle, age and other factors.
Diabetes type 1 Facts
- Most people who develop type 1 are otherwise healthy.
- Complications of the disease affect every organ of the body.
- Controlling type 1 diabetes with insulin, exercise and diet is the only way to prevent long-term complications of the disease.
- The risks of having a heart attack in a diabetes patient are the same as someone who has already had an attack.
- Diabetic patients may not show the typical signs of a heart attack.
- Infections of skin, female genital tract and urinary tract can occur frequently.
- Regular checkups are essential for blood testing and screening for type 1 diabetes complications.
Type 1 diabetes Treatment
Insulin injections are the treatment for type 1 diabetes. Other treatments explored include pancreas and islet cell transplantation, artificial pancreas and genetic manipulation.
Exercise is important to control body weight for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Immunizations should be kept up to date to avoid infection that is more difficult to treat because diabetes decreases immunity.
Blood pressure and cholesterol should also be kept in control. Skin, dental and foot care are also important. Teeth should be flossed once a day and dental exams should be scheduled at least twice a year.
Any sort of addiction can be harmful. Tobacco and alcohol should be avoided as much as possible.
Managing stress is important for type 1 diabetics. Hormones that the body produces in response to stress can interfere with the efficacy of insulin. Patients should learn to prioritize their tasks and learn relaxation techniques. Adequate sleep is also important.
Diabetes type 1 cannot be cured, making management a primary focus for patients in order to prevent complications. A healthy life is a must for everyone. Above all it is very important to stay positive. Type 1 diabetes is manageable through education and lifestyle interventions that prevent short and long term complications of the disease.
References:
NIH: Type 1 Diabetes
Penn Medicine: Type 1 Diabetes Unit
Rhode Island Department of Health: Diabetes and Stress
JCI: Autoimmunity and Type 1 Diabetes
American Diabetes Association: Insulin Pumps
EndocrineWeb: Diabetes Type 1
NetDoctor/UK: Diabetes
NIH: Diabetes Skin and Foot Care
Diabetes.co.uk: Diabetes and Dentistry
Also Read:
by on 08. Sep, 2010 in Diabetes Information
Back to Top