Type 1 diabetes is a type of diabetes in which the pancreas does not produce insulin, making the body unable to use blood sugar to produce energy, generating symptoms such as dry mouth, constant thirst and the urge to urinate frequently.
Type 1 diabetes is usually related to genetic and autoimmune factors, in which the body's own cells attack the cells of the pancreas responsible for insulin production. Thus, there is not enough insulin production to cause glucose to enter cells, remaining in the bloodstream.
The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is commonly made during childhood, and insulin treatment is immediately started to control symptoms and prevent complications. The use of insulin should be done according to the recommendation of the endocrinologist or pediatrician, and it is also important that there are changes in the person's lifestyle.
Type 1 diabetes symptoms
The symptoms of diabetes 1 arise when the functioning of the pancreas is already severely impaired, with symptoms related to the increased amount of glucose circulating in the blood, the main ones being:
- Feeling of constant thirst; Frequent desire to urinate; Excessive tiredness; Increased appetite; Loss or difficulty gaining weight; Abdominal pain and vomiting; Blurred vision.
In the case of a child with type 1 diabetes, in addition to these symptoms, he may also go back to bed wetting at night or have recurrent infections of the intimate region. See how to recognize the first symptoms of diabetes in children.
Differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
The main difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes is the cause: while type 1 diabetes occurs due to genetic factors, type 2 diabetes is related to the interaction between lifestyle and hereditary factors, arising in people who have inadequate nutrition, are obese and do not perform physical activity.
In addition, as type 1 diabetes destroys the cells of the pancreas due to genetic changes, there is no prevention and treatment should be done with daily injections of insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. On the other hand, as the development of type 2 diabetes is more related to lifestyle, it is possible to avoid this type of diabetes through balanced and healthy eating and physical activity on a regular basis.
The diagnosis of diabetes is made by means of a blood test that measures the level of sugar in the blood, and the doctor may ask for an evaluation on an empty stomach or after a meal, for example. Usually the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is made when the person begins to show symptoms of the disease and as it is related to immunological changes, a blood test can be done to detect the presence of circulating autoantibodies.
Learn about other differences between types of diabetes.
How the treatment is done
Treatment is done with the daily use of insulin as an injection according to the doctor's guidance. In addition, it is recommended that the glucose concentration be monitored before and after meals, it is recommended that the glucose concentration before meals be between 70 and 110 mg / dL and after meals less than 180 mg / dL.
Treatment for type 1 diabetes helps prevent complications such as healing difficulties, vision problems, poor blood circulation or kidney failure, for example. See more about treatment for type 1 diabetes.
In addition, to complement the treatment of type 1 diabetes, it is important to eat a diet free or low in sugar and low in carbohydrates, such as bread, cake, rice, pasta, cookies and some fruits, for example. In addition, physical activities such as walking, running or swimming are recommended for at least 30 minutes 3 to 4 times a week.
See what diet should look like in type 1 diabetes by watching the following video:
