Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Insulin, a crucial hormone, facilitates the entry of sugar (glucose) into cells for energy production.
Various factors, including genetics and certain viruses, may contribute to the onset of Type 1 diabetes. While it commonly manifests in childhood or adolescence, it can also develop in adults.
Despite extensive research, Type 1 diabetes remains incurable. Diabetes treatment focuses on regulating blood sugar levels through insulin, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications to mitigate potential complications.
What are the Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes?
The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes typically begin mildly and progressively worsen or intensify over days, weeks, or months, reflecting the decreasing production of insulin by the pancreas.
Common symptoms of Type 1 diabetes encompass:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination, including bedwetting in children and frequent full diapers in infants
- Excessive hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of cuts and sores
- Vaginal yeast infections
If you or your child exhibits these symptoms, prompt consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial, requesting testing for Type 1 diabetes. An early diagnosis enhances the chances of effective management.
Delaying the diagnosis may lead to life-threatening complications, such as diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA). Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child experience a combination of the following symptoms:
- Fruity-smelling breath.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Abdominal (stomach) pain.
- Rapid breathing.
- Confusion.
- Drowsiness.
- Loss of consciousness.
How to Diagnose Type 1 Diabetes?
Diagnosing Type 1 diabetes is a simple process. A blood test can find out whether you have diabetes. Firstly, it’s advisable to follow up at a clinic or doctor’s office to ensure the accuracy of the results.
If your healthcare provider suspects type 1 diabetes, additional tests may include checking for autoantibodies in your blood. The presence of these substances indicates your body is attacking itself and is commonly associated with type 1 diabetes, distinguishing it from type 2. Additionally, your urine may be tested for ketones produced when your body utilizes fat for energy. The detection of ketones in your urine signifies type 1 diabetes rather than type 2.
What is the Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes?
Type-1 diabetes treatment involves a comprehensive approach, including:
- Insulin and Other Medications:
Insulin therapy is a cornerstone in type 1 diabetes treatment, with various types available:
- Short-acting insulin (e.g., Humulin R, Novolin R, Afrezza)
- Rapid-acting insulin (e.g., glulisine, lispro, aspart)
- Intermediate-acting insulin (e.g., NPH insulin)
- Long- and ultra-long-acting insulin (e.g., glargine, detemir, degludec)
Multiple daily injections, combining long-acting and rapid-acting insulin, are commonly recommended. This approach mimics the body’s natural insulin usage, showing improved blood sugar control compared to older regimens. A regimen involving three or more daily insulin injections has demonstrated enhanced blood sugar level management.
- Blood Sugar Monitoring:
Depending on your chosen or prescribed insulin therapy, you may need to check and document. Your blood sugar levels at least four times daily.
The American Diabetes Association advises testing blood sugar before meals, snacks, bedtime, before exercise or driving, and whenever signs of low blood sugar are perceived. Diligent monitoring is essential to ensure that your blood sugar remains within the targeted range, and more frequent monitoring can contribute to reducing A1C levels.
Even with insulin use and adherence to a strict schedule, blood sugar levels can fluctuate. Monitoring helps understand how levels respond to food, activity, illness, medications, stress, hormonal changes, and alcohol consumption.
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring:
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices track blood sugar levels, proving particularly beneficial in preventing low blood sugar. These devices, shown to lower A1C levels, are attached to the body using a fine needle just beneath the skin, checking glucose levels regularly.
- Closed Loop System:
A closed-loop system involves a device implanted in the body, connecting a continuous glucose monitor to an insulin pump. The monitor regularly assesses blood sugar levels and automatically administers the required insulin when necessary.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved several hybrid closed loop systems for type 1 diabetes, termed “hybrid,” due to requiring some user input. This input may include information on carbohydrate intake or occasional confirmation of blood sugar levels.
A fully automated closed-loop system requiring no user input is not currently available. However, ongoing clinical trials are exploring and advancing these systems.
- Healthy Eating and Carbohydrate Monitoring:
While there is no specific “diabetes diet,” it is crucial to base your eating habits on nutritious, low-fat, high-fiber foods, including:
- Fruits,
- Vegetables,
- Whole grains
Your registered dietitian will recommend reducing the intake of animal products and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and sweets. This healthy eating approach is beneficial for individuals, regardless of diabetes status.
Learning to count the amount of carbohydrates in your food is essential. This knowledge allows you to administer the appropriate insulin dosage, enabling your body to utilize these carbohydrates effectively. A professional dietitian can help you in making a meal plan that aligns with your dietary requirements.
- Exercising Regularly and Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Regular aerobic exercise is essential for everyone with type 1 diabetes. Before starting any exercise routine, consult your healthcare provider for approval. Choose activities you enjoy, such as walking or swimming, and aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, with no more than two days without any exercise.
It’s important to note that physical activity can lower blood sugar levels. If you initiate a new activity, monitor your blood sugar more frequently until you understand its impact. Adjustments to your meal plan or insulin doses may be necessary due to increased physical activity.
