Type 1 diabetes is a chronic illness that was previously classified as young-onset or diabetes dependent on insulin. The pancreas does not produce insulin in this situation or if does then only little. Insulin is a hormone produced by the body that allows sugar (glucose) to enter cells and produce energy.

While type 1 diabetes typically manifests in infancy or adolescence, it can manifest in adulthood.

Despite much study, there is no treatment for type 1 diabetes. To avoid complications, treatment focuses on controlling blood sugar levels with insulin, food, and lifestyle changes.

Symptoms

Type 1 diabetes indicators might arise unexpectedly and include:

  • Feeling thirstier than normal.
  • Urinating frequently
  • Bedwetting in children who have never soiled the bed at night
  • Feeling extremely hungry
  • Losing weight without making an effort
  • Feeling agitated or experiencing other mood swings
  • More tired and feeble
  • Having hazy eyesight

Causes

Type 1 diabetes has an unknown cause. The insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas are usually destroyed by the body’s immune system, which ordinarily battles harmful bacteria and viruses. Other plausible explanations include sensitivity to viruses along with other environmental variables and Genetics.

What does insulin do?

The body generates little or no insulin once a high number of islet cells are damaged. Insulin is a hormone produced by a gland located below and beneath the stomach, that is the pancreas.

  • Pancreas directs Insulin to be released into the bloodstream.
  • Insulin circulates throughout the body, letting sugar into cells.
  • Insulin reduces the amount of sugar in the blood.
  • As blood sugar levels fall, the pancreas releases less insulin into the circulatory system.

Complications that can occur

Type 1 diabetes problems can impact vital organs in the body over time. The blood vessels, heart, nerves, eyes, and kidneys are among these organs.

A normal level of sugar in the blood can reduce the risk of a variety of problems. Diabetes problems can cause disability and even endanger your life.

  • Heart and blood vascular problems.

Diabetes raises the risk of certain heart and blood vessel disorders. Coronary artery disease (CAD) with chest discomfort (angina), heart attack, stroke, arterial constriction (atherosclerosis), and high blood pressure are examples.

  • Damage to the nerves (neuropathy).

Too much sugar in the blood can cause damage to the walls of capillaries that supply the nerves. This is particularly true in the legs. Tingling, numbness, burning, or discomfort may result. This commonly starts at the tips of one’s toes or fingers and works its way up. Poor blood sugar control may cause you to lose all feeling in the limbs that are impacted over time.

Nerve damage that affects the digestive tract might result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Erectile dysfunction can be a problem for males.

  • Nephropathy (injury to the kidneys).

Millions of small blood capillaries in the kidneys prevent waste from entering the bloodstream. Diabetes has the potential to harm this system. Severe damage can result in renal failure or end-stage kidney disease that is irreversible. The end-stage renal disease requires artificial filtration of the kidneys through dialysis.

  • Damage to the eyes.

Diabetes can cause blood vessel damage in the retina (the area of the eye that detects light) (diabetic retinopathy). This could result in blindness.

  • Foot injury.

Foot nerve injury or inadequate blood supply to the feet raises the risk of various foot problems. Untreated cuts and blisters can lead to severe illnesses. These infections may necessitate the loss of a toe, foot, or leg (amputation).

Finally – How to prevent it?

There is currently no recognized way to avoid type 1 diabetes. However, researchers are striving to prevent the disease or further harm to the islet cells in newly diagnosed patients.