Last updated on December 28, 2021
Content By: Dr. Nikita Toshi BDS, Assistant Manager (Medical Review) & Dr. Ritu Budania MBBS, MD (Pharmacology) Head, Medical Affairs
Last updated on December 28, 2021
Diabetes is not anything new to any of us. We have seen most of our elderly family members or someone we know who are suffering from it. When they come over to your houses and you offer them tea or coffee, they may ask you to avoid putting sugar in their hot beverages because they are trying to control their blood sugar levels. This may be an everyday occurrence for some of us. But unfortunately, type 1 diabetes is a little different from this. While many of us are aware that this is a type of diabetes, most of us don’t know much about it.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition. For people who have this type of diabetes, their immune system attacks those cells in the body, specifically in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin. This is prevalent mostly in children and youngsters, so this type of diabetes is also sometimes called juvenile diabetes. Unfortunately living with type 1 diabetes can take a toll on mental health. It can be frustrating for them and at times they might feel discouraged too. Nevertheless, contrary to popular belief, this condition is not a death sentence. Many people with type 1 diabetes can still enjoy their lives to the fullest. In this article, we will be exploring all the different aspects of type 1 diabetes – from its signs and symptoms to its treatment and prevention and even ways to care for someone who is type 1 diabetic. So without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Diabetes is not anything new to any of us. We have seen most of our elderly family members or someone we know who are suffering from it. When they come over to your houses and you offer them tea or coffee, they may ask you to avoid putting sugar in their hot beverages because they are trying to control their blood sugar levels. This may be an everyday occurrence for some of us. But unfortunately, type 1 diabetes is a little different from this. While many of us are aware that this is a type of diabetes, most of us don’t know much about it.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition. For people who have this type of diabetes, their immune system attacks those cells in the body, specifically in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin. This is prevalent mostly in children and youngsters, so this type of diabetes is also sometimes called juvenile diabetes. Unfortunately living with type 1 diabetes can take a toll on mental health. It can be frustrating for them and at times they might feel discouraged too. Nevertheless, contrary to popular belief, this condition is not a death sentence. Many people with type 1 diabetes can still enjoy their lives to the fullest. In this article, we will be exploring all the different aspects of type 1 diabetes – from its signs and symptoms to its treatment and prevention and even ways to care for someone who is type 1 diabetic. So without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Written by:
BDS, Assistant Manager (Medical Review)
Reviewed by:
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology) Head, Medical Affairs
Often diagnosed before the age of 30, as opposed to Type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes mellitus is usually diagnosed in young adults and children. Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system attacks specific cells in the pancreas that are responsible for making insulin. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is also known as Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and Juvenile Diabetes Mellitus.
Although the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not known, sadly there is no cure for it yet. While we can keep the glucose levels in check by various means, people who have type 1 diabetes symptoms, have to use insulin injections for the rest of their life.
Without adequate insulin in our body, glucose is not used by the cells and instead builds up in the bloodstream. This leads to elevated glucose levels. The body is now unable to use the glucose for energy in turn resulting in increased hunger. And that’s not all. Elevated levels of glucose in the blood also tend to affect the kidneys and produce large amounts of urine. Frequent visits to the toilet also mean you feel thirsty all the time.
So how does type 1 diabetes progress? At the onset, the insulin produced by type 1 diabetics are insufficient and if left undiagnosed or untreated, the insulin-producing cells are slowly destroyed and eventually they end up producing no insulin at all.
Type 1 Diabetes in India
The prevalence of type 1 diabetes symptoms is quite high in India but unfortunately due to the absence of a nationwide registry, the exact numbers and statistics remain unknown. However, it is estimated that India has about 97,700 children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus today.
The first population-based study of the prevalence of insulin-dependent diabetes in South India showed that insulin-dependent diabetes is not a rare phenomenon. In fact, it has been seen that among all South-East Asian countries, India accounts for the most number of children who have type 1 diabetes. The prevalence of type 1 in children is 1,11,500 according to a World Health Organization report for the South-East Asian Region.
In the state of Karnataka, the diabetes registry lists an incidence of 3.7/1,00,000 in boys and 4.0/1,00,000 in girls. In Haryana, Karnal, the prevalence of type 1 diabetes is 26.6/1,00,000 in urban sectors and 4.27/1,00,000 in rural areas.
On average, the overall incidence of type 1 is approximately 15 cases per 1,00,000 individuals annually. About three children out of 1,000 have a chance of developing this type of diabetes, by age 20.
While all these statistics might make it seem dull and dreary, it isn’t actually so. There are many celebrities with type 1 diabetes we know of who have been ruling in their field. Just take a look at singer Nick Jonas, who has now become one of our own in India after marrying Priyanka Chopra. He has battled type 1 diabetes since he was a kid but has not allowed it to stop him from belting out chart-topping songs. Famous celebrities with type 1 diabetes-like Nick and many others prove to be an inspiration to many children.
As we have seen before, Type 1 diabetes symptoms occur mostly in children and adolescents and can be diagnosed in older age groups as well. Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes if left untreated can have dire consequences. It can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. This in turn leads to several complications and in some rare cases even death. So type 1 diabetes symptoms should be taken seriously and you should consult a doctor to help you keep your sugar levels in check.
Skip the long queues at the store.
Order diabetes medications online on PharmEasy and get them home delivered at your convenience!
The worst part of the type 1 diabetes symptoms is that it mostly isn’t anything drastic and they also appear suddenly. Symptoms like fatigue and extreme thirst are quite common in an active child, so as a parent you have to pay extra attention. If you feel that your child is experiencing any of the symptoms we will be looking at next, do consult a doctor immediately. Even if it’s a false call, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Some of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:
Extreme thirst
A common type 1 diabetes symptom is extreme thirst which in turn leads to frequent urination. As mentioned earlier, when you have diabetes, excess sugar or glucose accumulates in your blood. Hence your kidneys are forced to keep filtering the excess glucose which is accompanied by loss of water during urination, which eventually makes you feel thirsty.
Excessive hunger
Although an increase in appetite can be due to various other reasons like working out or sometimes even depression or stress, it could be a sign of type 1 diabetes, which should not be overlooked.
Frequent urination
If you notice an increased frequency of urination in your child or bedwetting even after successful toilet training, you should discuss this immediately with a doctor. Frequent urination in any age group should be considered as an alarming sign.
Weight loss
Because of frequent urination, there is a loss of glucose and calories. At the same time, type 1 diabetes keeps the glucose from your food from reaching your cells, which leads to constant hunger. This combined effect is the reason for rapid type 1 diabetes weight loss.
Tiredness and fatigue
A very common Type 1 Diabetes symptom is that it can make you feel tired. This occurs because the body is not able to use high blood glucose for energy needs. Also, dehydration from increased urination adds up to the feeling of fatigue.
Blurry vision
Type 1 diabetes symptoms may sometimes involve your vision. Diabetes can sometimes cause the swelling of eye-lens, which may alter your vision. Once you notice your vision getting blurred, check if your blood sugar levels are in the normal range to correct it.
Delay in the healing of cuts and wounds
Another important type 1 diabetes symptom to look out for. High blood sugar levels in the body can affect the natural healing of cuts and wounds, therefore, if you find that you have a cut or wound that is taking longer than usual to heal it is most often a sign of diabetes.
Fruity odour from breath
The sweet smell from breath or fruity odor could be an indication of ketoacidosis, which is a diabetic complication. This usually occurs when there is a build-up of ketones in the blood.
Is your child experiencing symptoms of type 1 diabetes?
Book a diagnostic test on PharmEasy to confirm the diagnosis today!
Like we have seen before, type 1 diabetes is caused when our body’s war room (the immune system) attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. It is almost like a video game, except the consequences here are way worse.
There are many causes that lead to the development of type 1 diabetes symptoms in children in India. For example, if you have a type 1 diabetes gene, it makes you an easy suspect for diabetes.
Despite several studies, doctors have been unable to pinpoint the exact type 1 diabetes causes in children and adolescents. While genes might play a role in some people but it is also possible that a virus sets off the immune system attack and that’s what causes type 1 diabetes.
Nevertheless, based on research, one of the main causes of type 1 diabetes is:
However, by saying that, there are a few other factors that can put you at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. These include:
Age
There are two noticeable age peaks when type 1 diabetes can appear. The first peak occurs in children between the age of 4 and 7 years and the second is in children between 10 and 14 years.
Family History with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Family history can be a cause that one can develop type 1 diabetes symptoms. Having a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes around you increases the chances of you developing the condition. The presence of a type 1 diabetes gene in the family makes you prone to it genetically. Hence there is a chance of type 1 diabetes genetic risk in children.
It is best to take precautions and if there is a family history involved, therefore, letting your health professional know about your family and medical history can help identify and catch the condition at its early stages.
Viral Infection
Some studies have shown that type 1 diabetes can be triggered by a virus. It could start as an autoimmune response after viral infections that commonly affect children such as mumps, measles, polio, rubella, Epstein-Barr virus, etc.
Environmental Factors
Having an unknown type of virus at an early age may trigger type 1 diabetes symptoms in some individuals. According to the International diabetes federation, children who are growing up in a colder climate are more likely to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Finland and Norway lead the world in the highest number of children (0 – 14) diagnosed with this type of diabetes.
Lower your risk of developing diabetes!
Explore PharmEasy’s range of diabetic care supplements to help keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Now that we have touched on the different causes of type 1 diabetes, let us talk about testing for diabetes type 1. Usually, a diagnosis is done when you experience certain symptoms and then alert your doctor but in this case type 1 diabetes mellitus can at times be diagnosed suddenly and unexpectedly. Many times, the condition is identified through symptoms such as a cold, flu or viral infection. A question that many people ask is “can type 1 diabetes be cured?” Well, unfortunately, there is still no cure for this type of diabetes yet. However, there are ways we can help ourselves or our children effectively to manage type 1 diabetes with ease.
Although type 1 diabetes for children can be a big life change, many youngsters who have type 1 diabetes diagnosis have ended up living a long and healthy life.
The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children is crucial and what’s more important is that it is diagnosed on time, after which the suitable type 1 diabetes treatment can begin. Once type 1 diabetes diagnosis is confirmed it is advised to get in touch with a health professional for further medical attention.
However, there are times when someone with type 1 diabetes may seem to recover or need a very little amount of insulin. This period is also known to be the “honeymoon phase”. This phase usually lasts for a few months and sometimes even a year post-diagnosis. Some people experience normal to near normal sugar levels, without insulin. While others may need minimal amounts of insulin to function normally and we may think that type 1 diabetes treatment is no longer needed. But eventually, the majority of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas cease functioning, which causes the type 1 diabetes symptoms to return.
Which Tests to Take?
Every case is as unique as the individual and hence for the right type 1 diabetes diagnosis, doctors may ask you to get the following tests to find markers of type 1 diabetes causes.
Glycated Haemoglobin (A1C) Test
This is a blood test, which indicates the average blood sugar level for the period of two to three months. The test measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to the oxygen-carrying protein in the haemoglobin present in your red blood cells. If your blood sugar levels are higher, you’ll have more haemoglobin with sugar attached. If you have diabetes, the A1C level has to be 6.5% or higher on two separate tests. This is a lot like the batting average of your favourite batsman. A single game doesn’t tell you how the player is playing. In the same way, a day’s test results don’t give you the complete picture of your condition.
If for some reason you cannot take the A1C test, there are two other tests that your doctor may recommend:
Random Blood Sugar Test – At any random time a blood sample can be collected for this test. Now regardless of when you last ate, if this test marks the blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher, it suggests diabetes. Plus, the combination of type 1 diabetes symptoms, such as frequent urination and extreme thirst affirms the diagnosis further.
Fasting Blood Sugar Test – For this test, the blood sample can be collected only after an overnight fast. If the result of the blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) then the test is normal. But if the level is from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) then it is considered prediabetes. And if it’s 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests then it is diabetes.
GTT
It is called Glucose-Tolerance-Test. GTT is an elaborate blood test for diabetes.
Normal range – 140 mg/dL or below.
Prediabetic – 140-199 mg/dL.
Diabetic – 200 mg/dL.
C-Peptide
This test, just like its name, measures how much C-peptide is present in a person’s blood. The C-peptide levels help to mirror insulin levels in the body. If it indicates low levels of C-peptide and insulin, there is a chance it could be Type 1 Diabetes.
Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies (GADA or Anti-GAD)
GADA looks for antibodies built against a specific enzyme that is present in your pancreas.
Insulinoma-Associated-2 Autoantibodies (IA-2A)
IA-2A looks for antibodies that are mounted against a specific enzyme. This test is specific to the pancreatic cells. The IA-2A and GADA tests are both common for type 1 diabetes antibody tests.
Insulin Autoantibodies (IAA)
IAA test is a blood test where doctors will check for the presence of any antibodies that target insulin.
Serum Ketone Test
This test may be performed to check the level of ketone bodies in the blood.
Urine Routine Test
To check for the presence of glucose, ketones or proteins in urine, your doctor may advise you periodic routine urine tests.
As a kid or a young adult, being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is definitely not ideal. However, if you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes regular doctor visits are recommended to discuss the appropriate diabetes management options for you. During these visits, your physician will monitor your A1C levels, which is a test for type 1 diabetes.
Tests for type 1 diabetes antibodies may be advised at the time of diagnosis. Routine monitoring of blood sugar will tell you if your diabetic treatment is working or not. A change in A1C level may signal the need for a change in your insulin regimen and also meal plan and sometimes both.
In addition to the A1C tests for type 1 diabetes antibodies, blood and urine samples should also be monitored periodically to keep a check on your cholesterol levels, thyroid function, liver function and kidney function. Your health expert should also examine your blood pressure and keep a check on the sites where you test your blood sugar and deliver insulin.
How to help those Diagnosed make Small Lifestyle Changes
Making changes in your daily routine can work wonders for people with type 1 diabetes. But it is not restricted to just diet and diabetes exercise. Let us look at some changes you need to make if you have type 1 diabetes symptoms:
Identify Yourself
Wearing a tag that says you are diabetic so that if you are alone and you are suddenly not feeling well, people will know what to do. Having a sweet source like glucose, sweet candies, fruit juice or a glucagon kit handy can help prevent complications in case of a sudden blood sugar drop. You can even educate your friends and loved ones on how to use it to help you during an emergency.
Pay Attention to Your Feet
It is advisable to wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and pat dry them being extra careful of the areas around the toes. Moisturise your feet from time to time to prevent the occurrence of dry skin. Keep checking your feet every day for infections, boils, scabs, sores and sometimes even redness, skin lesions and swelling. It is advised to consult a doctor if you notice a sore or other foot problem that doesn’t heal over a few days.
Regular Check-Ups
Visit your health professional at least once in 6 months. Type 1 diabetes also raises the odds of heart disease, eye disease, dental infections and diabetic foot hence, keeping in touch with your health expert prevents a lot of health complications from arising in the future.
Manage Stress
Blood sugar levels rise when you are stressed. Even if you are anxious your diabetes tends to boost. Finding ways to relieve stress is a key lifestyle change to be made. It could be yoga for diabetes, meditation or even a favourite hobby of yours that keeps you relaxed.
Be Vaccinated
Your immune system is weak because of high blood sugar and hence getting all the doctor recommended vaccines on time is highly advisable so that type 1 diabetes symptoms do not create extra trouble.
It's better to be safe than sorry.
Book a diabetes care test on PharmEasy to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of diabetes today!
You know the saying ‘a little goes a long way’? Well, it applies quite perfectly to type 1 diabetes treatment. Making little changes to your daily schedule can help you manage type 1 diabetes in the long run. To effectively manage Type 1 Diabetes, the goal is to keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible. Discuss with your doctor and understand the daily blood sugar goals that have to be maintained.
Consulting your doctor or diabetologist would be the first step towards recovery as he/she would be able to direct you towards the best type 1 diabetes treatment plan suited to your case. Your doctor might recommend:
Regular Insulin
Type 1 diabetes insulin cannot be administered orally as the enzymes in the stomach are too powerful against insulin action. To receive insulin, it must either be injected or taken through an insulin pump. The use of a fine needle and syringe or an insulin pen is recommended. Insulin pens look similar to ink pens and are easy to operate. For injections, a regimen of three or more insulin injections a day shows improved blood sugar levels. But it varies from individual to individual and hence your doctor will be the right person to help you with the dosage.
Insulin Pumps
The pump is the size of a cell phone that you will need to wear outside of your body. A tube connects a reservoir of type 1 diabetes insulin to a catheter that is inserted under the skin of your abdomen. The pump can then be worn on your waistband or put in your pocket or be held with specially designed pump belts. The pump functions to provide you with the required doses of insulin at regular intervals throughout the day.
Diet Management
Eating healthy and having a fixed diabetes diet plan for diabetes type 1 is crucial when you have diabetes. What you eat affects your blood sugar and how much you eat is also important. Eating only as much as your body needs and adding plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains to your diet can go a long way in type 1 diabetes management. Try to choose non-fat dairy and lean meats to keep yourself healthy. Also, limiting foods that are high in sugar and fat is a must to avoid type 1 diabetes symptoms from worsening. It’s best to stay away from refined carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, rice, etc that can raise blood sugar levels.
Exercise and Lifestyle Modifications
Exercise is not just recommended for type 1 diabetics but everyone who is able. Be it any kind of physical activity, such as walking or swimming, 30 minutes of daily physical activity can do a great deal for your body and overall health. Set a goal for each day and try to cover at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week and go no more than two days without any exercise. For children, it could be at least an hour of activity a day. Physical activity can promote metabolism and lower blood sugar levels.
Mental Health Support
Since Type 1 Diabetes is a condition that primarily affects youngsters, it can take a toll on their mental health. Dealing with type 1 diabetes symptoms and effects of treatment, combined with puberty and adolescent development can cause behavioural changes, such as frustration and irritability. Seeking mental health support by confiding in your family and friends, speaking to a professional therapist or even joining a diabetes support group can help cope with the stress and anxieties associated with type 1 diabetes.
Caretakers may also require support in modifying their lifestyle or habits to help their loved ones through diabetes. It’s important that they are given as much orientation to the disease as the patients are.
Blood Sugar and Glucose Monitoring
People with type 1 diabetes are advised to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels at least 4 times a day or as suggested by your doctor. Health experts recommend testing blood sugar levels before meals and snacks, before bed, before exercising or driving and whenever you suspect you have low blood sugar. Timely and regular monitoring is the only way to make sure that your blood sugar level remains within your target range.
No Smoking
Being diagnosed with diabetes makes you more prone to health problems like heart disease, eye disease, strokes, kidney disease, blood vessel disease, nerve damage and even foot problems. If you smoke your chances to contract these diseases becomes even higher. Plus, smoking is known to affect lung function making it harder to exercise therefore, it is recommended to speak with your health professional about ways that can help you quit.
Controlling your alcohol intake
Avoiding alcohol when you’re type 1 diabetic greatly helps in managing the condition. However, if you must drink, it is advised to control your intake and reduce your drinking frequency. Most liquors are high in sugar, which can have a negative impact on your health. Alcohol can cause your blood sugar to go too high or too low so it is advisable to check your blood sugar before you drink. If you are currently on any type 1 diabetes medication, it is important to consult your doctor before consuming alcohol.
Manage diabetes from home!
Explore a variety of glucometers from PharmEasy to help you monitor your blood sugar levels with ease.
We always tell ourselves to be prepared for the worst but we never are. Unfortunately, leaving your type 1 diabetes symptoms undiagnosed can often lead to your body paying the price. Yet one must still be aware of the complications that diabetes can cause to better understand the importance of early detection. Some of the most common complications of type 1 diabetes are:
Low Blood Sugar Levels
When the blood sugar levels drop below normal (70 mg/dL), it causes a condition called hypoglycemia. It can be identified by symptoms like sweating, weakness and dullness. When an individual does not have sufficient glucose in their body, the body does not have the necessary energy to function normally. With 3 – 4 tablets of glucose or half-cup (120 mL) of fruit juice or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey, the sugar levels can be immediately increased to avoid complications. It is important to check your sugar levels after 15 minutes of taking approx 15 gm of carbohydrates – The 15-15 rule.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Insulin helps glucose enter the cells in our body. With diabetes, there is a lack of insulin that enables the fats to be broken down for energy instead of glucose. This leads to a build-up of acids in our body called ketones, leading to a condition called ketoacidosis which is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately in a hospital.
Heart Health
Type 1 diabetes symptoms increase the risk of various heart diseases. It includes coronary artery disease with chest pain (angina), heart attack, stroke and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis).
Nerve-related Disorders
Excess sugar in the blood can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels called capillaries that nourish your nerves. Your nerves indirectly get affected during this process causing you to feel tingling, numbness, burning or pain in the feet. If left untreated, you can risk losing all sense of feeling.
Kidney Disease
Kidneys are essential in filtering out wastes and excess water content. Type 1 Diabetes often leads to damage to this very delicate organ. This damage might even escalate to kidney failure or irreversible kidney disease. High blood pressure caused by diabetes also causes damage to the kidneys.
Diabetes Eye Disease
Type 1 diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina. This might lead to potential blindness and can also develop the risk of other serious vision conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma and retinopathy.
Foot Damage
Poor blood flow to the feet and nerve damage can increase the risk of various foot complications. If it is ignored, cuts and blisters can develop serious infections. These infections may also turn into toe, foot or leg amputation.
Depression
Depression is a very common symptom in people with type 1 diabetes. It can occur when a patient’s mental health is compromised due to several physical and environmental factors. It has the potential to adversely affect diabetes management.
Prevent complications of diabetes!
Order diabetic care products from PharmEasy to help supplement your treatment today.
It can be difficult to see a family member suffer and especially if it is your child. Family and friends are like lifelines especially for people living with diabetes type 1. People often ask if type 1 diabetes is curable? While a cure for diabetes is yet to be found, having the right people around you to encourage and support you physically and mentally can greatly help you manage the condition effectively.
Family and friends can be the ones who will lend you a shoulder to lean on or be there to see you through tough days. Studies have shown that people can manage their diabetes better when they are supported emotionally and physically by their close-knit circle.
Here are a few tips on how you can help be a support system for your friend, partner, child or loved one with type 1 diabetes:
Support, don’t nag
You will always want your loved ones to stay healthy and positive and protect them from the complications of type 1 diabetes. Maybe you want them to adopt healthier eating and lifestyle habits. Try and support their journey to recovery instead of nagging them into a disciplined lifestyle. While they are trying to process their emotions and mental state through the condition, nagging may only make things worse. Try leading by example and empathizing with them through this difficult journey. You will be surprised to see a little encouragement can go a long way.
Encourage Healthy Eating
A change in diet for type 1 diabetes and eating habits is not easy especially after dealing with the discomfort of type 1 diabetes symptoms. Therefore, encouraging your loved ones through this process by involving them in the food preparation process or even engaging in fun, lighthearted conversations during meal times can help them cope. Meeting with their dietitian and learning the best diet strategies can help them make better type 1 diabetes diet choices.
Be it someone who has been newly diagnosed or someone who has lived with diabetes for years, type 1 diabetes pathophysiology can be frustrating most of the time. Sometimes, people with diabetes need an outlet to vent or just feel like they are being heard. Diabetes support groups or like-minded community groups can help them express and healthily process their emotions. It can in fact offer support to both of you, be it you as a partner or a parent.
Workout together
Another way you can help support your loved ones is by joining them in their workouts. Whether it’s a 30-minute walk or an hour of weight training or HIIT cardio show that you’re in this with them together. It will not only help boost their morale and motivate them towards building better habits but will also help you along your health journey. A win-win!
Attend doctor appointments with them
Since Type 1 diabetes symptoms often occur in young adults and children and is a slightly more intense condition than type 2 diabetes, attending doctor appointments can be a stressful and discouraging experience for them. Tagging along to doctor appointments and even rewarding your children now and then with diabetic-friendly treats or presents can go a long way in showing them you care. Offer to assist them, provide for them and help them with doing tasks they once used to do easily. Just showing up and being there for them may be the least you can do but may mean the most to them.
Dealing with diabetes?
Order prescription medicines online on PharmEasy in just a click!
What is type 1 diabetes and how do you get it?
Type 1 diabetes symptoms occur when the immune system attacks specific cells in your pancreas responsible for producing insulin leading to high levels of blood sugar. This condition is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, was also known as juvenile diabetes.
Can you reverse type 1 diabetes?
To be fair, type 1 diabetes cannot be reversed or cured just yet. But it can be managed with insulin, healthy eating habits and staying fit. Sometimes you may not be able to protect yourself from its onset. However, by taking the right measures recommended by your doctor, you can still lead a normal and healthy life.
Who is at high risk for type 1 diabetes?
Someone with a family history of type 1 diabetes or other autoimmune diseases is at a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes symptoms. Also, one can get Type 1 at any age but it’s more likely to develop when you’re a child, teen or young adult.
What is the difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes?
There is a very thin line between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin. And people with Type 2 diabetes don’t respond to insulin. Also, later in the disease people often don’t make enough insulin. So, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes both in some way pose similar problems of high blood glucose levels.
How long does a person live with type 1 diabetes?
Research suggests that in the case of men with T1DM their average life expectancy is 66 years as compared to 77 years without the disease. In the case of women, it is 68 years as compared to 81 years without the disease. However, with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications, one can lead a long and healthy life.
Is Type 1 DM caused due to eating a lot of sugar?
Type 1 diabetes latest news suggests that sugar does not cause Type 1 diabetes. The insulin-producing cells in your pancreas are destroyed by your immune system and that is the reason T1DM develops.
Having Type 1 DM will hinder my pregnancy?
Having diabetes does not affect fertility. However, it is important to understand the care in maintaining blood sugar in a healthy range throughout pregnancy. Consult your doctor before planning pregnancy and throughout the pregnancy for a safer side.
Can obesity lead to Type 1 DM?
Exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is still unknown. Developing type 1 diabetes is not related to being overweight. However, having a healthy lifestyle is important for being healthy. Also, too much fat tissue can make it hard for insulin to work properly if you are diabetic. This in turn leads to higher insulin needs and causes trouble in controlling blood sugar.
Can I do the normal sports activity of my choice if I have Type 1 DM?
One can still do the sports they enjoy even if they have Type 1 diabetes. Just that some extra steps need to be taken to make sure you do it safely. If you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it is best to consult your health professional before carrying out any sporting activity. This is because exercise and sports affect blood glucose levels.
Leave a Comment