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What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes was once called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. About 5-10% of people suffering from diabetes have type 1. Type 1 diabetes is although less common as compared to type 2 diabetes. It is a chronic condition, in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin at all. Insulin is a hormone that comes from a gland called the pancreas. The body uses insulin to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. Without insulin, the sugar can't get into the cells and instead build up in the bloodstream, which is damaging to the body as it causes life-threatening complications. Type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence, but it can develop in adults as well. Before going ahead, let's understand the role of insulin and glucose a little better. When you eat, some of your food is broken down into sugar also called glucose. Glucose is the main source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues. The pancreas puts insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin travels through the body and helps glucose move from your blood into your cells. It also lowers the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. As the blood sugar level drops, the pancreas puts less insulin into the bloodstream. Apart from food, glucose comes from another major source, the liver. When glucose levels are low, such as when you haven't eaten in a while, the liver breaks down the stored glycogen into glucose. This keeps glucose levels within a typical range. In simple words we can say, glucose in the cells is important, however, if glucose is not able to enter the cells it will make the blood sugar level go up which is not good. Thus, insulin plays a very vital role. Type 1 diabetes symptoms can develop in just a few weeks or months but once the symptoms appear, they can be severe. It may include: Feeling more thirsty than usual, urinating a lot, feeling very hungry, losing weight without trying, feeling irritable or having other mood changes, feeling tired and weak, and having blurry vision. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any of the above symptoms in you or your child. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is still unknown. Usually, the body's own immune system — which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses — destroys the insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas. Other possible causes include Genetics and exposure to viruses and other environmental factors. Some factors that can raise your risk for developing type 1 diabetes include: 1) Family history- Anyone with a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes have a slightly higher risk of developing the condition 2) Geography- Some studies have suggested the number of people who have type 1 diabetes tends to be higher as you travel away from the equator 3) Age- Type 1 diabetes can appear at any age, but it appears at two noticeable peaks. The first peak occurs in children between 4 and 7 years old. The second is in children between 10 and 14 years old. A blood and urine test has the ability to determine whether or not you have diabetes. If you're diagnosed with diabetes, your provider may also run blood tests. These will check for autoantibodies that are common in type 1 diabetes. The tests help your provider decide between type 1 and type 2 diabetes when the diagnosis isn't certain. The presence of ketones — byproducts from the breakdown of fat — in your urine also suggests type 1 diabetes, rather than type 2. Over time, type 1 diabetes complications can affect major organs in the body. These organs include the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. Diabetes complications can lead to disabilities or even threaten your life. There's no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. However, having a normal blood sugar level can lower the risk of many complications and it can be attained in the following ways- Taking insulin, counting carbohydrates, fats, and protein, monitoring blood sugar often, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and keeping a healthy weight. You can also ask your healthcare provider if you might be eligible for any clinical trials. It is important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of any treatment available in a trial.