Overview of Type 1 Diabetes Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Last Updated on December 17, 2024 by Robert Dowling

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where your body destroys the cells in the pancreas producing insulin. Hence, it becomes difficult to absorb glucose resulting in Type 1 diabetes. It’s a chronic condition and you need to consult a doctor to manage symptoms. [Type 1 Diabetes Causes, Symptoms]

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Type 1 Diabetes Causes, Symptoms – An Overview

Type 1 diabetes shows several symptoms such as:

Extreme thirst and frequent urination
Unexplained irritation and mood changes
Blurry vision leading to loss of eyesight
Unexplained weight loss
Continuous urge to eat fatty foods
Extreme fatigue and tiredness

Are you facing any of the symptoms mentioned above? Then, you must get a routine blood test that helps in detecting whether you are affected.

What is the Role of Insulin?

Insulin is a hormone which is released from a gland below the stomach. The pancreas releases insulin into bloodstream. Insulin moves through your body and thus sugar easily enters the cells controlling your blood sugar level. The pancreas may put low insulin into the bloodstream if your blood sugar level drops below normal limit.

How Type 1 Diabetes is detected?

A combination of urine and blood tests are conducted to detect Type 1 diabetes. Here are mentioned the types of blood tests to detect Type 1 diabetes:

Fasting Blood Sugar Test

This test requires an 8-hour fasting and the doctor draws a blood sample to detect Type 1 diabetes. A sugar level above 126 mg/dl indicates elevated blood sugar level.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

The 2-hours test involves drinking of a sugary fluid and the sugar levels are measured before and after. It helps your doctor learn how your blood sugar level is fluctuating. A higher level of 200 mg/dl shows you have Type 1 diabetes and need to take necessary precautions.

Hemoglobin A1C Test

It’s a blood test intended to check your sugar level for 2-3 months. An A1C higher than 6.5% clearly shows Type 1 diabetes. You need to see a doctor who will suggest the best treatment.

Random Blood Sugar Test

The doctor draws blood randomly and the blood sugar level of more than 200 mg/dl indicates diabetes. However, this test is confirmed with a fasting one and thus the doctor provides effective treatment.

Urine Test

Doctors may ask you to collect a urine sample to detect whether you have Type 1 diabetes.

Checking C-Peptide Levels

Do you have a low C-peptide level? Then, you may have Type 1 diabetes and doctors will recommend a fasting test to confirm.

Checking Antibody Levels

People with Type 1 diabetes have higher antibody levels which reacts against certain proteins in the pancreas.

These tests help you learn how your blood sugar level is fluctuating and your doctor helps you improve your overall way of life.

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where your body’s immune system attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. This destruction may continue for months to years and the lack of insulin leads to Type 1 diabetes. Genetics also play a crucial role in developing Type 1 diabetes.

A certain type of gene increases the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes and it’s important to do a genetic screening. The Human Leukocyte Antigen is the gene responsible for developing Type 1 diabetes. Viruses or other environmental alterations may be responsible for developing Type 1 diabetes.

How Type 1 Diabetes is treated?

Type 1 diabetes is treated in the following ways:

Taking insulin Shots

Without insulin your body can’t break down sugar, so it’s important to get insulin shots. Hence, it becomes easy to manage your blood sugar level controlling the symptoms. You may need multiple insulin injections daily or you can wear an insulin pump.

Checking Blood Sugar Level

People with Type 1 diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar level daily. It’s good to get a blood glucose meter which helps you monitor your sugar level randomly. So, you can avoid sudden rise of sugar level leading severe complications.

Staying Healthy

A healthy lifestyle lowers risks of getting type 1 diabetes and also helps in controlling diabetes. Avoid consuming foods with high fat-content and thus it helps you manage your cholesterol. Include leafy green vegetables in your diet and it has notable contributions in lowering sugar level.

Managing Stress

Stress is another main cause of diabetes and thus it’s important to stay away from stress. Getting enough sleep is the best way to stay away from stress, thus lowering chances of getting diabetes. Stress and anxiety also leads to other health complications and you must avoid stress for better health.

Medications

Doctors recommend certain medications such as aspirin and medicines lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure. It helps you control your blood sugar level and life thus becomes better. Ensure you take the medicines according t doctor’s instructions.

Tzield

It’s a therapy which delays development of Type 1 diabetes, thus lowering risk of being affected. It’s suitable for people who are at higher risk of getting the disease.

Increasing Awareness

People need to learn about diabetes and how you can manage the condition. You must know how to take insulin shots which is the best way to deal with your blood sugar level. A good diet is another crucial factor to consider and you need to know which foods to include and which you should avoid.

Staying Active

Lack of physical activity is another cause of developing Type 1 diabetes. Your healthcare provider will prepare a workout routine following which you can always stay fit. Staying physically active also boosts your confidence to perform well, thus you will explore life in a new way.

Maintaining healthy Body Weight

A healthy body weight enables you keep your blood sugar level within normal range. Exercising regularly is the best way to stay away from obesity and you will attain healthy body weight.

The doctor initially consider patient’s age, health condition, symptoms etc. and provide treatments accordingly. So, you will notice improvements gradually and diabetes won’t restrict your way of life. You will find it easy to carry out your daily works and it helps you unlock the doors to success. The main goal of diabetes treatment is to maintain the daytime sugar levels before meals within 80-130 mg/dl. And the after meals sugar levels needs to be lower than 180 mg/dl.

Potential Treatments

Pancreas transplant is one of the effective treatments if it’s becoming difficult managing your diabetes. It eliminates need of taking insulin shots and pancreas starts producing insulin naturally. According to researches, islet cell transplantation can be an effective treatment for people with extreme complications.

Facts to Know About Insulin

Are you diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes? Then, you need to get the insulin therapy throughout your life. Here you will get a brief view of the types of insulin:

Short-Acting Insulin

It’s the regular insulin which starts working after 30 minutes you take the injection. This insulin becomes highly effective within 90-120 minutes of consumption and the effects last for 4-6 hours. It helps in managing sudden rise of blood sugar level.

Rapid-Acting Insulin

This insulin starts working 15 minutes of consumption and it shows the best results within 60 minutes. Doctors suggest taking the insulin shot 15-20 minutes before meals and usually the effect stays for 4 hours. This is another effective insulin type helping you lower your blood sugar level instantly.

Intermediate-Acting Insulin

This is also known NPH insulin and it starts working within 1-3 hours of consumption. It shows the maximum results within 6-8 hours and the effect will last for 12-24 hours. So, if you want long-lasting results this insulin can be the ideal option.

Long-and-ultra-long-acting Insulin

This is another type of insulin producing longer effects. It provides coverage for 14-40 hours and thus it becomes easy to control your blood sugar level. It’s one of the insulin producing effective results and your body can easily absorb sugar releasing energy.

How to Monitor your blood sugar level?

Depending on the type of insulin you are taking you need to monitor your blood sugar level. Doctors recommend monitoring your blood sugar level at least four times a day. A blood glucose meter enables you monitor the glucose level easily and you can stay away from further complications. So, it gives you confidence to manage your blood sugar level and you will learn how life brings better options.

Doctors even suggest checking your A1C levels ensuring that your blood sugar level hasn’t increased. This way, you can now stay away from the complications and Type 1 diabetes won’t affect your daily lifestyle. Make sure you are taking the insulin shots regularly according to doctor’s instructions and thus your blood sugar level will be within normal limits.

Conclusion

Type 1 diabetes gives rise to different complications and blood sugar monitoring is the ultimate way to learn about your condition. Insulin is the best treatment for diabetes and also it’s important to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Finally, you will find it easy managing your blood sugar level and diabetes won’t affect your way of life.