Type 1 diabetes mellitus, which is also known as insulin dependent diabetes, is a condition in which your immune system destroys insulin-making beta cells in your pancreas. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. This is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Although the type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence, it can develop in adults. So, this condition is usually diagnosed in children and young people, and it is used to be called as juvenile diabetes.
Causes
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. Usually, the body's own immune system which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet, or islets of Langerhans) cells in the pancreas.
Other possible causes include:
️Genetics.
️Exposure to viruses and other environmental factors.
When there is a damage to beta cells of pancreas from type 1 diabetes, glucose doesn’t move into your cells because insulin isn’t there to do the job. Instead, it builds up in your blood, and your cells starve. This causes high blood sugar, which can lead to:
Dehydration; When there’s extra sugar in your blood, more urine passes from the body. That’s your body’s way of getting rid of it. A large amount of water goes out with that urine, causing your body to dry out.
Weight loss; The glucose that goes out with the urine takes calories with it. That’s why many people with high blood sugar lose weight. Dehydration also plays a part.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA); If your body can't get enough glucose for fuel, it breaks down fat cells instead. This creates chemicals called ketones. Your liver releases the sugar it stores to help out. But your body can’t use it without insulin, so it builds up in your blood, along with the acidic ketones. This mix of extra glucose, dehydration, and acid buildup is known as ketoacidosis and can be life-threatening if not treated right away.
Damage to your body; Over time, high glucose levels in your blood can harm the nerves and small blood vessels in your eyes, kidneys, and heart. They can also make you more likely to get hardened arteries, or atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Risk factors
Family history; Anyone with a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes has a slightly increased risk of developing the condition.
Genetics; The presence of certain genes indicates an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
Geography; The incidence of type 1 diabetes tends to increase as you travel away from the equator.
Age; Although type 1 diabetes can appear at any age, it appears at two noticeable peaks. The first peak occurs in children between 4 and 7 years old, and the second is in children between 10 and 14 years old.
Symptoms.
Extreme thirst
Increased hunger (especially after eating)
Dry mouth
Upset stomach and vomiting
Frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss, even though you’re eating and feel hungry
Fatigue
Blurry vision
Heavy and labored breathing
Frequent infections of your skin, urinary tract, or vagina
Crankiness or mood changes
Bedwetting in a child who’s been dry at night
Physical therapy management
◽Screening examination should be done five years post diagnosis and annually thereafter; this screening includes reflexes, sensation in feet, questions about neuropathic symptoms, foot ulcers, calluses, etc
◽Exercise programs
◽Avoiding high intensity exercises which significantly increases BP
◽Educating the community
References: -
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/type-1-diabetes
Githmi Bandara
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