Type 1 diabetes, often known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar (glucose) enter cells so that energy may be generated. Type 1 diabetes can be caused by various factors, including genetics and viruses. Type 1 diabetes may occur at any age, although it is most common in children and teenagers.
Type 1 diabetes has no cure, despite intensive study. To avoid problems, the treatment plan for type 1 diabetes focuses on regulating blood sugar levels with insulin, diet, and lifestyle.
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
The most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes include the following:
- Increased thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unintended weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Irritability and other mood changes
- Children who never wet the bed during the night may begin to do so again on the onset of type 1 diabetes.
Causes of Type 1 Diabetes
The precise cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. The body’s immune system, which usually fights harmful bacteria and viruses, typically destroys the insulin-producing (islet, or islets of Langerhans) cells in the pancreas without realizing it. Other possible causes include:
- Genetics
- Exposure to viruses and other elements in the environment
The Function of Insulin
Insulin production will decline significantly once many islet cells are destroyed. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, located behind and below the stomach (pancreas).
- Insulin is released into the circulation by the pancreas.
- Insulin transports sugar into your cells.
- Insulin reduces the amount of sugar in your circulation.
- When your blood sugar levels fall, the insulin released by your pancreas decreases.
The Function of Glucose
Glucose, a sugar, is the primary energy source for muscle and other tissue cells.
- Glucose is manufactured in the body from two primary sources: food and your liver.
- Sugars are absorbed into the circulation and taken up by cells using insulin.
- The liver keeps glucose in the form of glycogen.
- When your blood glucose levels are low, such as after a period of inactivity, the liver converts the stored glycogen into glucose to maintain normal levels.
In type 1 diabetes, the cells do not accept glucose because there is no insulin to open them. Sugar accumulates in the body’s circulation, posing a risk of deadly illness.
Type 1 Diabetes Risk Factors
The following are some potential causes of type 1 diabetes:
- A family history of diabetes is associated with a higher risk. The occurrence of type 1 diabetes is slightly more significant in those with a parent or sibling with the condition.
- Genetics. Specific genes indicate a higher risk of type 1 diabetes.
- Geography. The incidence of type 1 diabetes increases the farther you travel from the equator.
- Age. It can occur at any age, but it shows up in two distinct peaks. The first peak occurs between the ages of four and seven, and the second peak occurs between ten and fourteen years old.
Type 1 Diabetes Possible Complications
Type 1 diabetes complications, over time, might affect your body’s most essential organs, such as the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level has been proven to decrease the likelihood of many problems substantially. Diabetes complications can eventually become disabling or even deadly.
Heart and blood vessel disease. Diabetes raises the danger of various cardiovascular issues, including coronary artery disease with chest discomfort (angina), heart attack, stroke, arterial narrowing (atherosclerosis), and high blood pressure.
Nerve damage (neuropathy). Excess sugar can harm the walls of small blood vessels (capillaries) that feed your nerves, especially in the legs. This may cause tingling, numbness, pain, or burning that starts at the tips of your toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward. If your blood sugar is not well controlled, it might lead to the loss of feeling in the afflicted limbs.
Damage to the nerves that control the gastrointestinal tract can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Erectile dysfunction may be a problem for males.
Damage to the kidneys (nephropathy). The kidneys are millions of tiny blood vessel clusters that filter waste from your circulation. Diabetes can wreak havoc on this crucial filtering system. End-stage kidney disease, necessitating dialysis or a kidney transplant, may result from severe damage.
Macular edema. This is the most prevalent form of eye damage due to diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy can harm retinal blood vessels, resulting in vision loss. Cataracts and glaucoma are two other vision issues linked to diabetes that may cause serious problems.
Foot damage. Poor blood flow to the feet and foot injuries raises the danger of a range of foot diseases. Cuts and blisters that go untreated might develop into serious infections that may necessitate toe, foot, or lower leg amputation.
Gum problems and dry mouth are also more common in people with diabetes. Diabetes makes you more prone to skin, mouth, and bacterial and fungal infections. Gum disease and a dry mouth are also more prevalent.
Pregnancy problems. High blood sugar levels can harm the mother and her child. When diabetes isn’t well controlled, the danger of miscarriage, stillbirth and congenital disabilities rises. Diabetes raises the chance of diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic retinopathy (eye disease), pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and preeclampsia in the mother.
Type 1 diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to many complications if not treated properly. It is vital for people who are at risk for Type 1 diabetes or who have been diagnosed with the condition to be aware of the symptoms and treatment options available to them. Mr. Edward James has dedicated his life to helping those affected by Type 1 diabetes. Visit his website for more information about this and much more.
