Overview

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels resulting from problems with insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This leads to a complete deficiency of insulin and requires lifelong insulin replacement therapy. It often develops in childhood or adolescence and necessitates careful monitoring of blood sugar levels and insulin administration to maintain proper glucose control.

In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin for the cells to absorb sugar. As a result, the sugar accumulates in the body, leading to high sugar levels. The body feels lethargic and inactive, making one feel lazy most of the day. Many times, an individual having diabetes also craves sugar as the body demands it for proper functioning. A healthy lifestyle and proper food choices help to manage the initial stages of diabetes and are also helpful to manage the issues efficiently.

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes

- Autoimmune Disease- Different types of autoimmune diseases lower the capacity of the pancreas to produce insulin. Such diseases also severely damage the pancreas and cease insulin production to control the sugar. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or other similar issues are included in the causes of high sugar levels in the body.
- Genetics- Genetics also plays a significant role in deciding the seriousness of the issue. A parent suffering from the illness will pass the same to the child. Hence, the illness is highly observed in children and adolescents. In identifying the signs of the illness, one must immediately start the required treatment and medication to lower the symptoms and avoid worsening the situation.
- The situation is more severe for people who have a specific group of genes in them compared to other people. Hence, it is also stated by researchers that white people are more prone to get affected by type 1 diabetes compared to people around the world.
- Bacterial Infection- Another major cause of the illness is bacterial infection. Such infection damages the pancreas and its working and hence lowers insulin production. It directly leads to sugar accumulation in the body, increasing its level. The bacteria causing the infection are found in the pancreas, making cells incapable of making insulin. Hence, the condition is considered to be a harmful one.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

- Excessive Thirst- Someone suffering from diabetes feels more thirsty than usual. It happens due to the incapability of the kidneys to function properly and allow the flow of sugar through the urine. Such incidences cause excessive thirst and dehydration, leading to many other health issues.
- Excess Urine- The illness increases sugar levels in the body, causing more water absorption. Hence, the affected patient feels an excessive urge to urinate compared to normal people. Such instances can disturb the social routine of the patient and make it difficult to perform routine functions as well.
- Sudden Weight Loss- When improper insulin production makes cells use fat and muscle for energy, the patient starts losing weight. It may make one look skinny without any weight loss diets. In case of such signs, it is advised to seek professional medical help for proper and timely treatment.

Treatment Options for Type 1 Diabetes

- Type 1 diabetes disease is a more harmful form of diabetes; hence, unfortunately, it has no permanent cure. However, healthy lifestyle changes and wise food choices help to manage the symptoms much better and allow one to lead a routine life with ease.
- Taking Insulin- The form of illness lowers the capacity of the cells to absorb insulin. Hence, the condition has to be fulfilled externally to manage the signs and allow cells to absorb the hormone, manage the sugar levels, and provide the body with the required amount of energy.
- Include Protein- Including protein in the diet helps to manage the insulin levels in the body. It also decides the amount of insulin to be taken before meals by managing the conditions inside the body. Hence, protein should always be an essential part of the diet for diabetic people.
- Healthy Diet- Cutting off refined sugar, quitting junk food, and opting for green and leafy vegetables in every meal are some of the healthy food changes that can majorly help in managing the condition well.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Endocrinology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Type 1 diabetes is a severe form of illness and can damage one's pancreas majorly if not treated at the right time. The signs and symptoms of the issue can be managed with the help of healthy food choices and an active lifestyle.