Type 1 Diabetes Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment Explained

By Author: Jessica Cristina
Total Articles: 17
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Type 1 diabetes, an auto-immune disorder, is one of the most widespread chronic diseases that usually affects children or young adults. Hence, type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes. Let us discover more about type 1 diabetes.

How does type 1 diabetes occur?

Type 1 diabetes causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack and destroy insulin-producing beta cells present in the pancreas. Insulin is nothing but a certain hormone that is responsible for transporting glucose through blood (derived from the food we eat) to various parts of the body.

As the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin, it limits the glucose to move throughout the body. As a result, glucose stays and gets accumulated in the blood, thereby increasing blood glucose levels. This condition is referred to as type 1 diabetes. A person having type 1 diabetes can fall sick gradually and may even get dehydrated if not diagnosed on-time.

Are there any early warning signs?

The development of type 1 diabetes is gradual and not sudden. An individual affected by the disorder usually experiences classic warning signs such as:

● An urge to eat and drink more
● Lack of energy, tiredness
● Unintended weight loss
● Increased urination

Without a timely diagnosis, type 1 diabetes symptoms can worsen and take a toll on the patient’s health. A type 1 diabetic may also experience vomiting, abdominal pain, and breathing-related problems along with dehydration.

Is there any diagnostic test for type 1 diabetes?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, nowadays, diagnostic tests for type 1 diabetes are easily available at all leading doctors, diabetes caregivers, and other medical professionals. Once you notice any of the above type 1 diabetes signs, make sure you check and consult with your doctor at the earliest.

Some of the most common diagnostic test for type 1 diabetes includes Glycated Hemoglobin (A1C Test), random blood sugar test, and fasting blood sugar test.

Once diagnosed with type 1 diabetes your doctor may also conduct a couple of blood tests to check for the prevalence of any auto-antibodies, which are very common in type 1 diabetes.

Additionally, diagnostic tests for type 1 diabetes may also help your doctor or caregiver to bifurcate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. That’s because signs and symptoms of diabetes -- whether type 1 or type 2, is much similar to each other.

What are the treatment options?

Unfortunately, there is no proper cure available for type 1 diabetes, as it is a lifelong disease. Type 1 diabetes treatment and prevention methods including:

● Insulin therapy
● Keeping a check on carbs, fats, and proteins intake
● Monitoring blood sugar frequently
● Eating healthy foods in moderation
● Exercising regularly

Type 1 diabetics who maintain a healthy weight by following a nutrition-rich diet and regular physical exercise, have lesser chances of developing further complications. The only key to lead a contented life with diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels at bay, for which healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle play a very crucial role.