Do you also have type 1 diabetes? (Type 1 Diabetes) Let's talk about it all

When you think of diabetes, you probably think of the more common type 2 diabetes that develops as you get older. But did you know that there is another type of diabetes that can develop at any age, especially in children and young adults? That's what we call Type 1 Diabetes. It's a little different, but if managed properly, it won't stop you from living a completely healthy life. Let's talk about it in a simple way that you can understand.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Simply put, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which our body's own immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells (beta cells) in our own pancreas.

Think about it, insulin is like a key that helps the sugar, or glucose, in our blood, enter our cells to make energy. Now, when these insulin-producing cells are gone, the body doesn't produce the insulin it needs. Then the sugar in the blood can't enter the cells and accumulates in the blood. That's what happens in this disease.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?

This is a place where many people get stuck.

• In Type 1: The body stops producing insulin completely , so it is necessary to take insulin from outside to survive.
• In Type 2: Even though the body produces insulin, the amount is not enough, or the body's cells do not respond properly to that insulin (insulin resistance).

What are the symptoms? How can you recognize it quickly?

Symptoms of this disease can often appear very quickly , sometimes within a few weeks. It is important to be aware of these symptoms.

Late-onset type 1 diabetes in adults (LADA)

Sometimes this disease is diagnosed in adulthood (between the ages of 30-50). This is called 'Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults' (LADA). Because the symptoms appear very slowly, it can sometimes be mistaken for type 2 diabetes.

How are young children raised?

In addition to the symptoms seen in adults, young children and babies can show different symptoms when they develop this disease. It is important for parents to be aware of this.

• Having to change baby's diapers more often than usual.
• Having a diaper rash that does not heal despite treatment.
• A toilet-trained child starts wetting the bed.
• Increased breathing rate.
• Stomach ache and vomiting.
• Changes in the child's behavior (often getting angry, becoming agitated).
• A sweet, fruity odor from the breath (this is a dangerous symptom).

What are the reasons for this? Is it hereditary?

The exact reason why our body's immune system attacks its own cells is still unknown, but it is believed to be mainly due to both genetic predisposition and environmental factors .

Simply put, if someone in your family (mother, father, sibling) has type 1 diabetes, you are at slightly higher risk of developing it, but that doesn't mean you will definitely develop it.

Imagine, even if you have genes that make you susceptible to the disease, it may take an environmental factor, such as a viral infection, for those genes to "activate".

How is the disease diagnosed? What tests are performed?

If your doctor suspects you have type 1 diabetes, the first thing they will do is test your blood sugar levels.

These tests can tell if you have diabetes. But to know for sure whether it's type 1 or type 2, your doctor will do a few more tests.

• Autoantibody test: This is the most important test. In type 1 diabetes, there are special proteins (autoantibodies) in the blood that attack the cells that make insulin. This test looks for these.
• Ketones test: When insulin is lost, the body starts burning fat for energy. The resulting acids are called ketones. These can be detected in the urine.

Treatment and life management

Your life is not over just because you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. You can live a very long, healthy, and happy life. The key is to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Insulin use is mandatory.

In type 1 diabetes, your body doesn't produce insulin, so you have to take insulin from outside every day . You can't take insulin in pill form, because it breaks down in your stomach. So you have to take it in injections or with an insulin pump.

There are several types of insulin. They vary in the time it takes to work and how long it lasts. Your doctor will determine the type and dose of insulin that is right for you based on many factors, including your age, lifestyle, and eating habits.

Regularly checking blood sugar levels

The most important thing is to keep your blood sugar levels within a target range throughout the day. There are two ways to do this:

1. Glucometer: The traditional method of testing involves taking a small drop of blood from the tip of the finger.

2. Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): A small sensor placed under the skin automatically checks your blood sugar levels every few minutes and sends the data to your phone or other device. It alerts you if your blood sugar levels are high or low.

Food and lifestyle

Having type 1 diabetes doesn't mean you can't eat. But you need to be careful about the amount of food you eat, especially carbohydrates (starch). You need to adjust your insulin dose to match the amount of food you eat.

• Eat a balanced diet . Include more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Limit sugary drinks, sweet foods, and refined carbohydrates (bread, pasta).
• Exercise regularly. Exercise increases the body's sensitivity to insulin.
• Manage stress and get enough sleep . These also affect blood sugar levels.

What are the complications that can occur due to diabetes?

If blood sugar levels are not well controlled for a long time, various parts of the body can be damaged. But don't worry. If you maintain good control, you can prevent many of these complications.

The most important and urgent complication is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) . This occurs when the body lacks insulin, causing ketones and sugar to build up in the blood, causing the blood to become acidic. This is a life-threatening emergency.

Long-term complications can include heart disease, kidney disease (nephropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), and nerve damage. The best way to prevent these is to follow your doctor's instructions and keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under control.

Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes, Insulin, Blood Sugar, Childhood Diabetes, Diabetes Symptoms