Type 1 Diabetes: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

What is Type-1 Diabetes?

Type-1 Diabetes, also known as Diabetes Mellitus type-1, is a condition which is characterised by the lack of sufficient amount of insulin in the body. This is a chronic condition and cannot be cured. The insufficient amount of insulin in the blood results in the spike in blood sugar levels, which in turn, can damage various organs in the body. However, with proper therapy and treatment, it can be controlled and the quality of life can be improved for the patient.

The tell-tale signs and symptoms of this type of diabetes are the frequent urges to urinate, increase in appetite, increased thirst and rapid weight loss. It is most commonly diagnosed in children or young adults and thus, it was previously known as juvenile diabetes.

Glucose and other types of sugars are essential for the body cells to absorb energy. The glucose that is present in the blood is taken up with the help of insulin and utilised for energy. The lack of this hormone renders the glucose useless as it is not being able to enter the body cells. This is precisely type-1 diabetes.

What Causes It?

The cause of type-1 diabetes is not known entirely. Although, there are certain theories that explain the cause –

1. Genetics: The chances of getting type-1 diabetes are increased in children if either of their parents suffers through from this disease. More than 50 genes are involved in diabetes type-1.

2. Environmental factors: Environmental factors are also thought to play a role in type-1 diabetes.

3. Viral infection: A theory suggests that viral infections are responsible for type-1 diabetes. According to this theory, the virus activates the auto-immune system of the body which in turn attacks the pancreatic beta cells along with the cells that are infected by the virus. Viruses like Epstein-Barr virus, Mumps virus, rubella virus etc. are considered to be responsible for the same.

How Is It Treated?

Many people with type-1 diabetes live long, healthy lives. The key to good health is to keep your blood sugar levels within the range your doctor gives you. You’ll need to check them often and adjust insulin, food, and activities to make that happen.

All people with type-1 diabetes must use insulin injections to control their blood sugar. Several types of insulin are available. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an endocrinologist and ask a free question.

Uncontrolled diabetes can be life-threatening. Prevent these serious diabetes complications by learning the warning signs.

People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of many serious health problems, including heart attack, kidney failure, nerve damage, stroke, vision loss, amputation. But by keeping your diabetes in check — that means maintaining good blood sugar control, you can prevent many of these.

HEART ATTACK

1. Chest discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest, lasting for a short time or going away and returning.
2. Pain elsewhere, including the back, jaw, stomach, or neck; or pain in one or both arms.
3. Shortness of breath.

STROKE

Stroke warning signs may include:

1. Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it occurs on one side of the body.
2. Feeling confused.
3. Difficulty walking, talking and lacking coordination.

NERVE DAMAGE

People with diabetes are at increased risk of nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, due to uncontrolled high blood sugar. Nerve damage associated with type 2 diabetes can cause a loss of feeling in your feet, which makes you more vulnerable to injury and infection. You may get a blister or cut on your foot that you don't feel and, unless you check your feet regularly, an infection can develop. Untreated infections can result in gangrene (death of tissue) and ultimately amputation of the affected limb.

ALTERED IMMUNE SYSTEM

Diabetes can also make it more difficult for your body to fight infections, causing skin problems. Various skin conditions are linked to diabetes, and even the most minor cuts or sores can turn serious fast. Any bumps, cuts, or scrapes should be cleaned and treated with an antibiotic cream and monitored carefully.

KIDNEY DISEASE

Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy, a condition in which the blood vessels in your kidneys are damaged to the point that they cannot filter out waste properly. If left untreated, dialysis (a treatment to filter out waste products from the blood) and ultimately a kidney transplant may be needed.

Typically, you won’t notice symptoms of kidney disease until it has advanced. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, visit your doctor:

• Swelling in your ankles and legs.
• Leg cramps.
• A need to go to the bathroom more often at night.
• A reduction in your need for insulin.
• Weakness and paleness.
• Itching.

The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes-related kidney problems is to have your urine, blood, and blood pressure monitored regularly and to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control.

EYE PROBLEMS

People with type 2 diabetes are at risk of several eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy (which affects the blood vessels in the eye), glaucoma, and cataracts. If left untreated, these conditions can cause vision loss.

Visit your doctor if you notice any of these warning signs:

• Blurry vision that lasts for more than two days.
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Floaters, black or gray spots, cobwebs, or strings that move when you move your eyes.
• A sensation of seeing "flashing lights".
• Pain or pressure in one or both eyes.

HIGH BLOOD SUGAR (HYPERGLYCEMIA) 

Hyperglycemia means you have too much sugar in your blood. High blood sugar doesn't always produce symptoms; therefore, it is important to check your blood sugar regularly, as indicated by your doctor. When symptoms of hyperglycemia occur, they may include:

1. Frequent urination.
2. Extreme thirst.
3. Feeling tired and weak.
4. Blurry vision.

The key to preventing many of the complications of diabetes is to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. To do this eat right, exercise, monitor your blood sugar as recommended by your doctor, and don't smoke.

A healthy lifestyle is your road map for managing diabetes, which is the key to preventing or delaying complications:

1. Follow a healthy eating plan.

2. Be physically active for at least 150 minutes a week (just 30 minutes, 5 days a week).

3. Manage your ABCs:

   • A regular A1C test to measure your average blood sugar over 2 to 3 months; aim to stay in your target range as much as possible.

   • Try to keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg (or the target your doctor sets).

   • Control your cholesterol levels.

4. Stop smoking or don’t start.

For people with diabetes, controlling blood pressure has big benefits: it reduces the risk of heart disease by as much as 50% and the risk of kidney, eye, and nerve disease by about 33%.

Lose weight if you’re overweight—just a 5% to 7% weight loss lowers the risk for complications. That’s 10 to 14 pounds for someone who weighs 200 pounds.

Take medicines as prescribed.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Diabetes is one of the most common problems that are caused by obesity, unhealthy and inactive lifestyle. It is a metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to store and use energy from food. Being physically inactive and eating unhealthy food are primary causes of diabetes. It is a long term condition which causes high or unstable blood sugar levels in the body.

When a patient suffers from low blood sugar it is called Hypoglycemia, and if the blood sugar levels are too high, it is called Hyperglycemia. Both are extremely harmful for a patient.

Type 1 and Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes-

Type 1

In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. The condition has no known cure and is usually hereditary in nature. Approximately 10% of those suffering from diabetes have Type 1 diabetes. Patients with Type 1 diabetes have to take regular medication, including insulin injections as well as take care of their diet.

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes happens when the body does not produce enough insulin for its proper functioning. 90% of all diabetic people suffer from Type 2 diabetes. It is usually caused by poor lifestyle choices, like physical inactivity and unhealthy food habits. The disease lasts a lifetime and is usually progressive in nature, but can be managed by taking regular medication, choosing an active lifestyle and maintaining proper body weight.

Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes. This has to be managed by taking medication or in extreme cases insulin shots. If undetected or untreated, gestational diabetes increases complications during childbirth, and causes unusual weight gain in the baby. However, gestational diabetes usually ends after the baby is born and women can go back to their normal lifestyle and eating habits post delivery.

Symptoms of Diabetes

1. Frequent urination
2. Extreme hunger or thirst
3. Weight loss
4. Problems with vision
5. Tingling or numbness of the extremities.
6. Unexplained fatigue
7. Dry skin
8. Cuts or sores that heal slowly
9. High number of infections

Who is at greatest risk for developing diabetes?

People who:

1. Are 45 or over
2. Are overweight
3. Are habitually physically inactive
4. Have previously been identified as having IFG (impaired fasting glucose) or IGT (impaired glucose tolerance)
5. Have a family history of diabetes
6. Are members of certain ethnic groups (including Asian American, African American, Hispanic American, and Native American)
7. Have had gestational diabetes or have given birth to a child weighing more than 9 pounds
8. Have elevated blood pressure
9. Have an HDL cholesterol level (the good cholesterol) below 35 mg/dl and/or a triglyceride level above 250 mg/dl
10. Have polycystic ovary syndrome
11. Have a history of vascular disease

What is pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is a condition of elevated blood glucose level that has not yet reached a diabetic level. Along with insulin resistance, pre-diabetes causes no symptoms. An individual may be pre-diabetic for years without knowing it. Pre-diabetes increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Weight loss and exercise may halt the onset of diabetes from pre-diabetes by returning blood glucose levels to a normal range.

Diabetes is the fifth-leading cause of death by disease. Diabetes leads to the death of many people each year across the globe. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a General Physician.