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Type 1 diabetes – Causes, symptoms, and management

Type 1 diabetes – Causes, symptoms, and management

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition that prevents the pancreas from producing insulin, a hormone required for balancing blood sugar levels. Without insulin, blood sugar begins to rise. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can lead to complications, such as nerve damage, kidney failure, and heart disease, if left untreated. Fortunately, daily management of type 1 diabetes is possible with the right lifestyle changes and treatment.

Causes

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unclear. However, it has been determined that genetics and environmental factors play a crucial role in its occurrence.

When individuals have the condition, their immune system repeatedly attacks the pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin, stopping the supply of this hormone. Insulin provides glucose a doorway into blood cells, allowing it to be used for energy. So, without insulin, glucose does not enter blood cells. Instead, it begins to collect in the blood.

Type 1 diabetes is most common in children and younger individuals. However, older adults can also develop it. 

Symptoms 

Unlike many other conditions, the symptoms of type 1 diabetes do not appear gradually. Their onset is sudden, usually over a few hours or days.

Polyuria 

Polyuria is frequent urination. When blood glucose levels rise, the kidneys work overtime to flush the excess out of the body through the urine. This causes individuals to visit the bathroom more often. Because of increased urination, individuals may also experience dehydration.

Polydipsia 

As the kidneys produce more urine and individuals visit the bathroom more often, their bodies lose water faster. This causes them to feel thirstier. It is a signal the body sends to replenish lost fluid. 

Polyphagia 

When glucose does not enter the blood cells, the brain triggers the hunger signals. The brain believes that eating something will provide the body with glucose. It is unaware that the blood already has enough glucose, just that it has not yet entered the cells. When they listen to hunger cues, individuals eat more, but the cells still do not receive enough glucose. The body then begins using fat reserves for energy. The constant insatiable hunger is a common sign when living with type 1 diabetes.

Fatigue

Without glucose, the body’s cells struggle to produce energy. While the body can generate energy from fat reserves, doing so also requires some energy. This causes persistent fatigue.

Blurred vision

High blood sugar affects the blood vessels in the eyes. As a result, individuals may experience fluid leakage, swelling, blurred vision, and other related eye problems.

Irritability, mood swings, yeast infections in the groin region, and slow-healing cuts are a few other signs. Individuals with a complication called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) may also experience fruity breath. It occurs when the body breaks down fat too quickly due to insufficient insulin.

Management

Healthcare professionals use certain blood tests, such as glycosylated hemoglobin and antibody blood tests, to diagnose the condition. They may also order additional tests to assess for complications or coexisting conditions.

If type 1 diabetes is confirmed, insulin may need to be supplied externally. It can be administered using several instruments, such as pumps and pens. Rapid-acting inhaled insulin is also available.

The dosage (number of units) of insulin and the frequency (number of times per day) are determined by the healthcare professional based on the level of blood sugar and may change over time. Individuals should administer the exact amount of insulin, as an excess can cause complications.

Besides using insulin therapy, individuals need to check their blood glucose levels regularly and schedule frequent follow-ups with a healthcare expert to manage type 1 diabetes in the long run. Getting educated about the condition by learning about the type 1 diabetes causes and symptoms is also important.

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