Diabetes is a hormonal condition in which the level of sugar in the blood increases. There are 2 types of Diabetes – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, however, is a condition found in more people than type 1 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 5 to 10 percent of diabetes patients worldwide suffer from type 1 diabetes. Researchers are yet to discover the exact cause of the condition. However, genetic causes (someone in the family having diabetes) and certain environmental conditions increase the risk of type 1 diabetes.

What is type 1 diabetes?

“This condition is a very common problem among young children and young people. It is also called juvenile diabetes. ” This is to say of Dr. Pradeep Gadge, a Mumbai-based diabetologist. In type 1 diabetes, your immune cells damage your pancreas or beta cells in the pancreas. Beta cells produce Insulin hormones. This means that insulin is not produced in sufficient quantity when these cells are damaged. Dr. Gadge says that, when insulin is produced in small amounts in the body, the body is not able to get power from the glucose present in the blood. As a result, the level of glucose in the blood and urine is increased very much.

What are the causes of type 1 diabetes?

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is yet to be ascertained. It also cannot be said which group of people are more at risk of this type of diabetes. However, according to some research people who have autoantibodies in their body. Those people are at higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes. According to Dr. Gadge, various research has also indicated that heredity and environment increase the likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes to a certain extent.

Who is at risk for type 1 diabetes?

Much research needs to be done about this type of diabetes right now. Similarly, very little information is available about its risk or risk factors. However, researchers have identified some groups that have a higher risk of type 1 diabetes than others, such as:

• Children whose parents have diabetes.
• Children of mothers suffering from gestation diabetes.
• Children with pancreas infection, injury, or trauma.
• People living in very cold regions.

What can be the disadvantages of type 1 diabetes?

High levels of glucose in the blood can damage the vital organs of the body. If it is not controlled, the risk of these problems increases:

• heart attack
• Blurred vision
• Nerve damage
• Severe infections
• Kidney failure

What is the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes?

Your doctor may perform some types of tests to diagnose type 1 diabetes:

Glucose testing

At a particular time of day, a blood sample is taken from your body to check the level of glucose in it. Readings of 200 mg / dL or more may indicate diabetes.

Postprandial plasma glucose test

If the blood glucose level readings in the blood test are very high. So, you can be asked to do this kind of test (Postprandial Plasma Glucose Test). This test tests the ability of the body to tolerate glucose. You may be advised to take about 75 grams of glucose for this test 2 hours after the blood test. Diabetes is confirmed by readings greater than 200 mg/dl.

A1C test

Apart from these two, you can also be asked to do an A1C test. In which, the average blood glucose level for the last 3 months is checked. The readings of this test are as follows:

• Normal: Less than 5.7%
• Prediabetes: A1C can contain from 5.7 to 6.4%.
• Diabetes: 6.5% or more

What is the treatment for type 1 diabetes?

Taking insulin shots is mandatory for such patients. However, you can also use an insulin pump instead of an injection. To deliver insulin in this manner, a certain amount of insulin is given to the skin with the help of a port. If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need to regularly check the level of glucose in your blood. So that it can be found out how much insulin your body needs. There are many types of insulin available in the market:

• Rapid-acting Insulin: Their effect starts in 15 minutes and lasts for 2-4 hours.
• Short-acting Insulin: Its effect lasts 3-6 hours.
• Intermediate-acting insulin: This type of insulin is intravenously administered 2–4 hours before peak time and its effect lasts for 12 to 18 hours.
• Long-acting Insulin: Its effect lasts for 24 hours.

What should be the type 1 diabetes diet?

Depending on your food, your blood sugar level decreases and increases. Therefore, for diabetes management, consume balanced amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Apart from this, together with your doctors, make the right diet plan for yourself. Also keep these things in mind-

• Drink 25-30 grams of fiber daily.
• Choose the right amount of carbohydrates. Avoid eating unhealthy carbs.
• Avoid consumption of unhealthy fats.

Add these superfoods to your diet-

• Beans
• Green leafy vegetables
• Citrus fruit
• Sweet potato
• Berries
• tomatoes
• Fish with omega-3 fatty acids
• whole grains
• The nuts
• Fat-free yogurt and milk

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