Read To Know All About Type 1 Diabetes: Symptoms & Causes

Type 1 diabetes is a rare condition, but its risk and complication puts the medical expert under pressure to find out the treatment for diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes. This condition occurs when the immune system abolishes the cells present in the human pancreas.

When the pancreas cannot produce enough amount of insulin, a chronic condition called type 1 diabetes occurs. In this case, the immune system destroys the beta-cells and blocks the production of insulin.

Most cases of type 1 diabetes are recorded during childhood or adolescence. But adults can also be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at any age.

Type 1 diabetes still has no cure. But proper treatment of diabetes will help to manage the condition better. This will allow the affected individuals to live a healthier life.

Type 1 diabetes usually occurs due to the destruction of beta-cells in the immune system. These are actually supposed to fight against the bad or harmful viruses and bacteria to protect the body. But, when the cells are damaged, it leads to lack of insulin and thereby T1DM or type 1 diabetes mellitus.

In this article, we have mentioned some of the top symptoms, causes/risk factors and treatment of T1DM.

Type 1 Diabetes: Symptoms

1. Dehydration:
When the blood sugar level is high, an individual will feel the urge to urinate more often as a way of the body mechanism to get rid of the extra amount of sugar in the body. When the symptoms occur on a regular basis, the body will dry out due to the loss of a large amount of water.

2. Weight Loss:

Calories also leave the body in the form of glucose during this time. Weight loss occurs for people with type 1 diabetes, as they have a high level of sugar in the blood. This is one of the top symptoms of type 1 diabetes.

3. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA):

The extra glucose, acid buildup and dehydration are mixed into a combination called 'ketoacidosis'. This condition is known to be very dangerous and life-threatening.

Type 1 Diabetes: Causes/Risk Factors

1. Age:
The first risk factor that can cause T1DM is age. It can be noted in children between the ages of 4 and 7 years. It can also occur in children from 10 to 14 years of age.

2. Family History:

If there is at least one person in your family, like your parent or sibling, with type 1 diabetes, then you'll be at a higher risk of contracting this disease. This is also one of the causes of type 1 diabetes.

3. Genetics:

It has been proven that certain kind of genes are more vulnerable than other kinds of genes. This factor is under nobody's control.

4. Geography:

It was found that people belonging to certain regions or exposure to certain viruses, low vitamin D levels, drinking nitrate-rich water, etc., see an increase in the risk factor of contracting T1DM.

Type 1 Diabetes: Complications

a. Blood And Heart Vessel Disease:
Once an individual is affected by type 1 diabetes, the risk factor of getting cardiovascular disease will also increase as a consequence. These problems include coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, narrowing of the arteries, etc.

b. Nerve Damage:

Extremely low levels of sugar damage the walls of the blood vessels. These blood vessels are supposed to nourish the cells and tissues, in different parts of the body, especially in the legs. Hence, this can lead to nerve damage and this can in turn lead to tingling or pain in the tip of fingers or toes.

c. Eye Damage:

This occurs due to the damage of the retinal blood vessels. When the treatment is not effective, it can lead to serious vision problems like cataracts and glaucoma.

d. Kidney Damage:

Kidney comprises of small blood vessel clusters. Type 1 diabetes can cause kidney problems when it affects the delicate filtering system of the nephrons in the kidneys.

e. Pregnancy Complications:

It can be dangerous for pregnant women. When the blood sugar levels are high, it can cause serious complications for the mother and baby.

f. Foot Damage:

When the nerves in the feet are damaged, foot complications can occur. It may also occur due to poor blood flow. This condition can become serious if left untreated.

g. Skin And Mouth Conditions:

Skin sensitivity is another one of the rare complications of type 1 diabetes. This can lead to chronic conditions that can affect the skin and mouth.