Type 1 Diabetes Causes, Symptoms and Treatment: All You Need To Know About Juvenile Diabetes, Chronic Autoimmune Disease Typically Common Among Children and Adolescents

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a lifelong condition. It is common in children and adolescents, but adults can get it too. It is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreas. This results in the pancreas producing little or no insulin. Insulin is an important hormone as it helps sugar (glucose) enter cells to produce energy. It also controls the amount of glucose in your blood. When a person eats food, the body breaks the food down into glucose, which then enters the bloodstream. This signals the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin then helps glucose move into the liver cells, muscle, and fat so it can be used for energy or stored for later. When glucose levels in the bloodstream drop because it enters the cells, the pancreas stops making insulin. Without enough insulin, too much sugar stays in the blood and this leads to high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia. Without treatment, this can cause serious health issues. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Reveal Son Miles’ Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis After Photo of the 6-Year-Old With Glucose Monitor Goes Viral.

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include increased hunger, especially after eating, extreme thirst, upset stomach, dry mouth, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, frequent need to urinate, and a general feeling of tiredness or weakness. Changes in vision, heavy breathing, repeated infections and mood changes are also common. In children, the risk of Type 1 diabetes is higher for those between 4-6 years or 10–14 years, especially if a family member also has it. Symptoms in children may also include having to change the diaper more frequently, diaper rash that doesn't improve with treatment, fast breathing, bed-wetting, belly ache, fruity-smelling breath, vomiting and changes in behaviour. In some cases, Type 1 diabetes in babies and children may have symptoms that are similar to the flu.

Type 1 Diabetes Causes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The exact cause for Type 1 diabetes is not exactly known yet, but both genetic factors and the immune system seem to play significant roles. If a person who is assigned male at birth has type 1 diabetes, there is a 1 in 17 chance that their child will also get it. For those assigned female at birth, the risk is 1 in 25 if the child is born before the age of 25, and 1 in 100 if born after. When both parents have type 1 diabetes, the chance of their child having it increases to about 1 in 4.

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

People with Type 1 diabetes need to take synthetic insulin every day, multiple times a day. It's also important for them to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range. The amount of insulin a person needs varies depending on their weight, age, level of physical activity, the types of food they eat, and their current blood sugar level. A healthcare provider may also prescribe additional oral medications to help manage it. Type-1 Diabetes: Walk Three Minutes Every Half an Hour To Manage Blood Sugar Levels, Says Study.

To manage Type 1 diabetes, consistent care, attention to insulin levels and blood sugar are important. By following medical guidance and making informed lifestyle choices, those with Type 1 diabetes can lead healthy and active lives.

(This article is written for an informative purpose and should not be substituted for medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor before trying any tips.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 01, 2024 02:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).