For 300 000 Poles, type 1 diabetes is a daily occurrence. Although it is a condition that cannot be prevented for the time being, it can be properly managed by reducing the risk of complications.
Let’s take a closer look at what type 1 diabetes is, where it comes from and how to control it.
Table of Contents:
Type 1 diabetes: symptoms that should worry you
What causes type 1 diabetes and can the disease be avoided?
Successful management of type 1 diabetes depends largely on the patient himself
Complications of type 1 diabetes
Knowing how to manage type 1 diabetes is the first step to improving quality of life
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It is also called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes.
Why insulin-dependent? People with type 1 diabetes are completely dependent on an external supply of insulin. They need it to function properly and maintain healthy blood glucose levels.
The immune system of people with type 1 diabetes, normally responsible for fighting infection, instead attacks and kills the beta cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin.
This causes the production of insulin to stop. Without it, glucose cannot enter the cells, causing blood sugar levels to rise.
Why youthful? Because type 1 diabetes usually begins before the age of 30, and the peak incidence is between the ages of 4 and 7 (source: “Diabetologia wieku rozwojowego” edited by M. Mysliwiec, P. Jarosz-Chobot).
However, just because type 1 diabetes didn’t produce symptoms at the time doesn’t mean it won’t appear again. It can be contracted at any age.
Type 1 diabetes: symptoms that should worry you
The first symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually appear within a few weeks. Some of them may be similar to symptoms of other diseases.
Therefore, it is important not to diagnose yourself. If you suspect you have type 1 diabetes, see your doctor to have your blood sugar tested.
The main symptoms of type 1 diabetes are:
- greater desire,
- More frequent urination,
- unexplained weight loss,
- dry mouth,
- fatigue, weakness,
- heavy breathing,
- visual disturbances,
- Syncope may also occur,
- palpable acetone in the breath (characteristic of ketoacidosis).
Diagnosis for type 1 diabetes
The most common tests used to diagnose diabetes are:
- Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) test,
- A test that examines glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels,
- Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).
Usually, the first step to diagnosis is an adventitious blood glucose test, which measures blood sugar levels at a specific point in time. A result of ≥ 200 mg/dl (≥ 11.1 mmol/l), combined with symptoms, indicates a diabetes.
Even if the blood glucose is normal, diabetes can be diagnosed using two other diagnostic scenarios approved by the Polish Diabetological Association.
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is tested to determine the duration of high blood sugar levels. If it is ≥ 6.5% (≥ 48 mmol/ mol), we are dealing with diabetes.
Fasting blood glucose levels in each of the two measurements ≥ 126 mg/dl (≥ 7.0 mmol/l) are also indicative of diabetes.
Even if blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels are normal, but the patient’s 120th minute OGTT oral glucose tolerance test results are ≥ 200 mg/dl (≥ 11.1 mmol/l), there is a reasonable suspicion that the patient has diabetes.
These tests can confirm the presence of diabetes, but do not distinguish between types.
The approach to treatment largely depends on the type of diabetes, so it is important to know which type you are dealing with.
If a doctor suspects type 1 diabetes, he or she may order a blood test for autoantibodies, since this type of diabetes is an autoimmune disease.
The presence of autoantibodies indicates that the body is attacking itself, which is common in type 1 diabetes, but not type 2.
A urine test for ketones can also be performed. The body produces ketones when it uses fat as an energy source. If ketones are found in the urine, it may indicate type 1 diabetes.
What causes type 1 diabetes and can the disease be avoided?
Factors, which favor the incidence of this type of diabetes, are especially genetic conditions and viral infections (including rubella, mumps, cytomegalovirus).
Type 1 diabetes is not directly transmitted genetically. There is, however Hereditary susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.
This tendency toward autoimmunity, where the immune system attacks and destroys the body’s own cells, can be passed down between generations.
Risk factors also include the mother’s age at delivery above 40, stressors and exposure to chemicals.
Unfortunately, there is currently no way to prevent type 1 diabetes, but it can be controlled to prevent serious complications.
Successful management of type 1 diabetes depends largely on the patient himself
In the treatment of type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is the cornerstone. Patients must take insulin because their bodies are unable to produce the hormone naturally.
There are different types of insulin administered, characterized by different rates of action and duration of effect. It may be necessary to use more than one type.
Patients take insulin using an insulin pen or insulin pump.
The effectiveness of insulin therapy can be enhanced by a carefully planned diabetic diet, physical activity, and control of cholesterol and blood pressure.
Patients also need to test their blood glucose levels regularly to accurately monitor and adjust insulin therapy and diet. Glucometers are the traditional method of measurement, but alternatives are emerging to increase patient comfort.
One such innovation is Diabetomat, which determines blood sugar levels based on measuring diabetes biomarkers in exhaled air. Check out how it works.
Complications of type 1 diabetes
What 6 seconds in the world, someone dies from complications of diabetes! Over time, elevated blood glucose levels can result in problems such as:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA),
- Renal dysfunction (diabetic nephropathy),
- cardiovascular diseases,
- heart attack,
- stroke,
- vision problems,
- Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy),
- diabetic foot syndrome,
- inflammation of the gums,
- sleep apnea,
- depression.
Very high blood glucose levels and low insulin levels lead to life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). It occurs when the body lacks insulin to deliver sugar to the cells.
Ketoacidosis can be recognized by breathing problems, feelings of confusion or impaired concentration, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, acetone-smelling breath, dry or reddened skin.
Too much insulin or an amount that is mismatched with diet and activity (not enough food, waiting too long or extra physical activity) can lead to hypoglycemia, i.e. blood sugar levels that are too low.
Knowing how to manage type 1 diabetes is the first step to improving quality of life
When facing the difficulties of type 1 diabetes, prompt diagnosis, self-monitoring of blood glucose levels, proper diet, physical activity and strict adherence to recommended insulin doses are very important.
Diabetomat is one of those technologies that focus on improving the quality of life with diabetes. It revolutionizes the daily monitoring of sugar levels. Contact us if you would like us to let you know when the device is available for purchase.
