Diabetes is a popular complication affecting millions of people today. Fortunately, the condition is manageable with the right treatment options. The Family Life Medical specialists offer several treatment alternatives, including lifestyle changes and insulin, to manage the condition and keep blood glucose in check. There are two types of diabetes, diabetes 1 and 2, but most people talk only about type 2 diabetes because it is the most common one. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune complication that limits your body’s ability to produce insulin. Here is more information for you.
Age is Not Always a Major Factor
Age is often taken as a major factor in diabetes. However, Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age. Many cases are identified during childhood, which is why it is denoted as juvenile-onset diabetes. In adults over thirty, latent autoimmune diabetes is treated as diabetes. Although different medical experts refer to the condition differently, it remains typical diabetes. Therefore, type 1 diabetes beats age and can affect anyone.
Sometimes Symptoms are Sudden
Type 1 diabetes often develops over several weeks or months before manifesting. Symptoms like weight loss, increased thirst, urination, fatigue, and blurred vision can develop gradually. Remember that insufficient sugar processing insulin makes your body turn to fat as a fuel source. Your blood can become acidic when your liver converts fatty acids to ketone bodies leading to a host of symptoms. You can experience sudden symptoms like dehydration, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and decreased kidney function.
You can Get Insulin in More Ways.
Type 1 diabetes is often managed through insulin administration. Many people receive insulin by way of injection in the form of insulin and prandial, long-acting, or fast-acting insulin. You can begin basal insulin when you lack carbohydrates. In most cases, it is given about fifteen minutes to your meal time to overcome the impact of high blood sugar. However, injections are not the only way you can get insulin. You can wear an insulin pump which provides continuous infusion. Your doctor can design the treatment based on the number of carbohydrates you eat, and you have to prick your finger to evaluate your sugar levels. You can also get insulin through a continuous glucose monitor.
There are Possible Type 1 Diabetes Cures
Research is currently underway to explore possible treatments to cure type 1 diabetes. Some studies investigate the effectiveness of replacing the islet cells with transplanted ones. Other studies focus on evaluating how the pancreas system can control monitoring and automate blood sugar in the body. Additionally, research is being done to see if newly diagnosed patients can be screened together with family members to detect and monitor type 1 antibodies. It could help determine if patients are predisposed to type 1 diabetes.
Managing Type 1 Diabetes Requires a Comprehensive Plan
The best way to manage type 1 diabetes is by combining different approaches to deliver effective results. You might need to combine insulin management with blood sugar monitoring, nutritional and diet improvements, exercises, and social support. Patient education and lifestyle counseling can significantly help you manage type 1 diabetes.
Get in touch with diabetes specialists for help if you are enduring diabetes. Remember that the condition is chronic and requires effective management to improve the quality of life. Schedule a consultation appointment to explore your treatment option.