Type 1 Diabetes: What you need to know

What is Diabetes?

When we eat, the sugar from our food is taken into the bloodstream before being transported to our cells where it is used as energy. The hormone responsible for this transportation is insulin. In people with diabetes, there is a lack of insulin, or the cells do not respond correctly to insulin, resulting in high levels of sugar in the blood. High blood sugar (Hyperglycaemia) is dangerous for the body both short and long term.

Types of Diabetes

There are 2 types of diabetes. Type 1 and type 2. In type 2 diabetes, some insulin is normally produced, but lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, and age as well as a family history mean that the insulin produced is insufficient or the body is unable to use it effectively. Type 2 diabetes can normally be controlled by lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition, where the body attacks the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin injections for life. The causes of type 1 diabetes are not fully known, though research has shown genetics and environmental factors to be likely causes.

Treatment

Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin. This can be administered via an insulin pen by giving regular injections under the skin or via a pump that administers a continuous dose of insulin throughout the day. Insulin requirements vary according to the amount of carbohydrate eaten and current blood sugar levels. It is very important to test blood sugar levels regularly throughout the day and not to allow the blood sugar to go too high or too low. This can be done with a blood glucose machine where a drop of blood is taken from the finger, or continuously via a CGM, (continuous glucose monitoring) device.

Complications

The short-term complications of type 1 diabetes are low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia). In low blood sugar, blood sugar levels fall below normal resulting in symptoms such as shaking, sweating, rapid heart rate, low energy, and confusion. If untreated hypoglycaemia leads to diabetic coma, which is a medical emergency. If blood sugar levels become too high, this can cause symptoms such as lethargy, irritability, thirst, and excessive urination. Untreated hyperglycaemia can result in diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency that, left untreated progresses rapidly to coma and death.

Long-term effects of diabetes can include damage to the small blood vessels of the eyes, kidneys, and feet as well as damage to the heart and nerves.

Long term Prospects

As one of the most widely researched diseases worldwide, the long-term outlook for those with type 1 diabetes has never been better. Increased understanding of the disease has led to better treatment and improved blood sugar control, which in turn reduces the risk of long and short-term complications. Many type 1 diabetics today live full and healthy lives, and with rapid advancements in medicine and technology, the long-term prospects of those living with this manageable condition can only improve.