Type 1 Diabetes
•Last Updated: October 13, 2024
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas stops producing insulin. It can begin at any age, although most commonly in childhood or adolescence, and requires life-long treatment with insulin.
Type 1 Diabetes falls under theDiabetes & Blood Sugarcategory.
Last Updated:October 13, 2024
Type 1 diabetes is a disease characterized by high blood glucose levels due to the immune system attacking and destroying insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. It typically begins in childhood or adolescence and tends to be more prevalent in regions farther from the equator, particularly in Northern European countries.
The main signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes (T1D) include unintentional weight loss, increased thirst, extreme hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and impaired wound healing. A serious initial indication of T1D can be diabetic ketoacidosis, which produces symptoms such as fruity-smelling breath and rapid breathing.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is diagnosed through blood tests that measure plasma glucose levels, including fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c. To distinguish T1D from Type 2 diabetes (T2D), tests for the presence of specific autoantibodies are also conducted.
The main medical treatment for type 1 diabetes involves multiple daily insulin injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion tailored to the individual's needs to prevent complications and meet glycemic targets. Additionally, adjunctive therapies like pramlintide and potentially glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are being studied to enhance insulin treatment and optimize glycemic control.
Although supplements have not been specifically studied for treatment of type 1 diabetes, various micronutrients and other common supplements have been examined for their potential to improve glycemic control and maintain healthy blood glucose levels. Notable micronutrients include zinc, selenium, chromium, vitamin D, vitamin B3, and vitamin C, along with supplements like dietary fiber, probiotics, cinnamon, aloe vera, and Panax ginseng.
Diet significantly affects blood glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), which necessitates careful meal planning and insulin dosing for optimal glycemic control. An individualized eating plan should focus on healthy dietary principles while considering personal preferences and health goals because there is no one-size-fits-all dietary pattern for managing T1D.
People with type 1 diabetes should engage in regular aerobic and resistance exercise to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce cardiovascular disease risk. However, they must carefully manage carbohydrate intake and insulin delivery around exercise to avoid hypoglycemia because the glycemic response to exercise can vary significantly.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease with unknown precise triggers, though genetic susceptibility (particularly certain HLA alleles) and environmental factors play a role in its development. Factors such as exposure to specific viruses, dietary elements, and gut microbiota composition have been associated with varying risks of T1D.
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- ^The content of this page was partially adapted from MedlinePlus of the National Library of Medicine
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