Overview
Type 1 diabetes is a condition that prevents your body, specifically the pancreas, from producing insulin. Without this insulin, the cells in your body wouldn’t be able to absorb glucose, for energy. Type 1 diabetes can affect anyone, but is mostly seen developing in children or young adults. Although there is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, treatments and other solutions are available.
Causes and Symptoms
The causes of Type 1 diabetes include genetics or exposure to environmental factors such as viruses. Other causes include the body’s immune system fighting the insulin-producing cells, obstructing its purpose.
Risk factors for Type 1 diabetes include your age (children and young adults), genetics, family history of diabetes, and the location in which you live.
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include frequent urination, hunger, thirst, fatigue, blurry vision, and weight-loss.
Impact
Type 1 diabetes impacts your body in several ways, from heart disease to nerve and kidney damage. Other complications include blood vessel disease, eye damage, foot damage, and pregnancy complications.
Management
Several changes can be made to manage Type 1 diabetes, such as checking your blood sugar levels often. Insulin medication can also be taken, after talking to your doctor. Maintaining your mental well-being and visiting your endocrinologist regularly are also options.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21500-type-1-diabetes#management-and-treatment
Written by Lahari Chebrolu from MEDILOQUY