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Type 1 Diabetes can feel overwhelming when first diagnosed. Yet, with proper understanding, management, and support, people with Type 1 Diabetes can live rich and healthy lives. Keep reading for a detailed explanation of the disease and tips on how to live with it.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is an auto-immune disorder in which the body’s immune system “misidentifies” and destroys the cells that produce insulin, a hormone that directs the sugar in the bloodstream to where it is needed. As the disorder progresses, fewer insulin-producing cells are available, and eventually, no insulin-secreting cells and no insulin are available in the body. This results in the accumulation of dangerously high levels of sugar in the bloodstream and forces the affected person to depend on exogenous insulin (insulin pills and injections) for survival, hence the term “Insulin-dependent diabetes.”
Type 1 Diabetes is sometimes referred to as Juvenile Diabetes because it is mostly found in people under 30.
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
The symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes may appear gradually or suddenly and include:
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination (including at night)
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Increased hunger
Blurred vision
Recurrent vaginal yeast infections
Slow-healing wounds
Unfortunately, sometimes, sociocultural factors may cause an initial dismissal of symptoms. For instance, weight loss or fatigue might initially be attributed to stress, poor diet, or even spiritual attack.
However, the sooner you notice any abnormal symptoms, the earlier you should seek medical help. Even if it turns out to be nothing serious, it is always better to know and be safe than to assume and be wrong.
What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Over 30% of cases have been linked to genetics. If your first-degree relative (your parent or sibling) has Type 1 Diabetes, you are likely to have it, too.
Some scientists believe other factors, like viral infections, certain chemicals, drugs, or food components, can also cause Type 1 Diabetes. Some viral infections, for instance, are suspected to trigger the immune system to attack the insulin-producing cells.
How is Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a combination of blood tests to check glucose levels and assess the presence of autoantibodies that attack insulin-secreting cells. Limited access to healthcare facilities in rural areas sometimes means that the condition may sometimes go undiagnosed until complications arise.
Living with Type 1 Diabetes: Managing the Condition
While a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes might initially feel like the end of the world, the truth is that it can be managed effectively, and people with it can go on to live long and otherwise healthy lives. Here are the key aspects of managing the condition:
1. Insulin Therapy
The primary treatment for Type 1 Diabetes is insulin therapy. People with Type 1 Diabetes need regular insulin boosts to regulate their blood sugar levels. There are different types of insulin (rapidly acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting) and various delivery systems, such as needles and syringes, pens, infusion devices, and so on.
It is important to work closely with your physician to decide the type, dosage, and mode of insulin therapy you need.
2. Healthy Eating
A balanced diet is critical in managing blood sugar levels. If you have Type 1 Diabetes, you don’t need to eliminate carbohydrates but should learn how different foods affect your blood sugar. A good dietary template could include 45% to 60% carbohydrates, 10% to 15% protein, about 30% fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables. This way, through portion control and balanced meal planning, it is possible to incorporate staple Nigerian foods like yam, rice, and beans into a diabetic-friendly diet.
3. Exercise
Physical activity helps lower blood sugar and improves overall health. Simple activities like walking or light jogging are excellent starting points. However, people with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar before and after exercise to avoid their blood sugar falling below normal. Technological advances, like continuous glucose monitors, make tracking blood sugar levels easier.
4. Education and Support
The importance of education cannot be overstated. It is particularly necessary for newly diagnosed diabetics, as well as their loved ones, to understand how to use insulin, recognise high or low blood sugar symptoms, and handle emergencies.
Challenges of Living with Type 1 Diabetes
Managing Type 1 Diabetes comes with unique challenges, such as:
- Cost of Insulin and Supplies: Access to affordable insulin remains a significant issue, particularly in low-income households. Some families struggle to afford regular blood sugar tests, balanced diets, and the required insulin doses.
- Psychological Stress: The psychological stress of being unable to eat certain things, constantly checking your blood sugar levels and moving around with insulin can be overwhelming for some people.
- Hypoglycemia: If insulin is taken in excess, it can tilt a person to hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar), and if this isn’t quickly corrected, it can lead to death.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): DKA is a life-threatening condition caused by dangerously high blood sugar levels, requiring urgent medical attention.
- Nerve Damage: Diabetic neuropathy is another common complication of diabetes—particularly poorly controlled long-standing high blood sugar.
Final Thoughts
Type 1 Diabetes is a lifelong condition, but it does not define a person’s life. With the right tools, education, and support, people with diabetes can live long and fulfilling lives. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, remember: you are not alone. Reach out to organizations, healthcare providers, and support groups for guidance. With determination and the right support, managing Type 1 Diabetes is not just possible—it’s empowering.
