Since the 1950s, Type 1 diabetes has risen worldwide by 3-4% yearly. It is more common in children and young adults but can occur at any age. Read on to learn about type 1 diabetes and shed light on the potential complications of this mysterious disease.
Most people with type 1 diabetes are diagnosed in childhood
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin. Without these cells, the body can't make insulin and must rely on insulin injections to survive. People with type 1 diabetes must also monitor their blood glucose (sugar) and adjust their diet accordingly.
During digestion, food is broken down into simple sugars, primarily glucose. Glucose travels through the bloodstream and enters cells to provide energy. But in people with Type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed. So the body can't make enough insulin to get sugar into the cells, and high sugar levels in the bloodstream lead to various symptoms.
Most people with type 1 diabetes are diagnosed in childhood, which is why it's sometimes called juvenile diabetes. However, adults can also develop the disease, and it's called latent autoimmune diabetes in adults or LADA.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is believed to be due to the immune system attacking and destroying the insulin-making cells in the pancreas (beta cells). The risk of developing this condition rises with age, reaching its first peak in children and young adults between 4 and 14. Having a family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include excessive thirst (polydipsia), frequent urine output, and weight loss. In some cases, high blood sugar levels can lead to a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, which has symptoms like vomiting, stomach pains, and fruity-smelling breath.
If someone thinks they might have type 1 diabetes, they should visit their doctor. They will probably do blood tests to measure their glucose levels, including a random plasma glucose test and an A1C test. The latter identifies average blood sugar levels over the past three months. They may also do a urinalysis to look at urine's chemical and microscopic details and check for ketones (the byproducts of breaking down fat for energy).
These tests can help distinguish type 1 from type 2 diabetes. The presence of ketones in the urine indicates that the body can't use glucose for energy, so it has to break down fats instead. This can lead to a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Usually, type 1 diabetes is diagnosed in children and young adults. Children at risk of developing the disease can be tested with antibodies to see if they have the gene for the disorder.
Management and Treatment
People with type 1 diabetes must be cautious about checking their blood sugar and treating infections. In addition to exercise, a healthy diet and regular blood tests are vital in managing the disease. Uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes can lead to severe complications, including heart problems, vision loss, and kidney damage. Close to 50% of people with Type 1 diabetes will develop a severe complication over their lifetime. Fortunately, with proper care and treatment, people with Type 1 diabetes can live long, fulfilling lives.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day. They inject it into their body with a syringe, insulin pen, or insulin pump. They cannot take it as a pill because the acid in the stomach would destroy it.
In addition to insulin, people with type 1 diabetes can use other medications to help manage their condition. For example, some patients may use a continuous glucose monitoring device to measure their blood sugar regularly and an insulin pump that delivers (basal) insulin throughout the day and provides extra (bolus) insulin for each meal.
Potential Complications
High blood glucose levels can cause complications in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. Foot problems may include sores that don't heal and poor circulation, leading to nerve damage in the feet. Symptoms include dry skin, itching and tingling in the hands and feet, and weakness. Diabetes also increases the risk of gum disease and a lack of saliva (dry mouth). The condition can also raise the chances of having problems during pregnancy, including a miscarriage or birth abnormalities. It may increase the risk of retinopathy, leading to vision loss.
Research and Future Outlook
While researchers do not know what causes it, they believe genes play a role. Several gene variants increase your risk of developing the disease, and you are more likely to develop type 1 diabetes if someone in your family has it. It is also possible that a virus triggers the disease in people who have these genes.
Scientists are working to find ways to prevent or reverse new-onset Type 1 diabetes. One drug currently being tested is called sotagliflozin (Zynquista). It works by forcing the body to expel excess glucose in the urine, lowering blood sugar levels. Another medication, called glulisine, lowers glucose by increasing the insulin the pancreas produces. This medication is already available for people with Type 2 diabetes, but the FDA does not approve its use in Type 1. It has been shown to reduce the islets' autoimmune destruction rate and improve long-term outcomes.
The Bottom Line
If you have type 1 diabetes, you'll need insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check. Managing can be challenging, but you can still live a happy life.
People with Type 1 diabetes must learn to manage their condition for the rest of their lives. They must learn to balance food, insulin, and exercise and test their blood sugar before and after activities to see how they will affect their glucose level.
They must also eat a healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and heart-healthy fats such as olive oil or avocados. They need to count the carbohydrates in each food and drink they consume to give themselves the proper insulin dose. Your healthcare team will teach you how to do this. Getting regular foot and eye exams is also important.
