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Type 1 Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options – By Dr. Ravi Shah, Endocrinologist INTRODUCTION Diabetes is more than just high blood sugar – it is a complex, lifelong condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Among its different forms, Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) stands out as an autoimmune condition typically diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to absolute insulin deficiency. If you or a loved one is managing T1D or wants to understand this condition better, this guide will provide essential insights. For expert care, consult Dr. Ravi Shah, one of the best endocrinologists in Ahmedabad, for personalized guidance and management. What is Type 1 Diabetes? Type 1 Diabetes is a long-lasting condition where the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from the food we eat into our body’s cells to give us energy. When the body can’t make insulin, sugar stays in the blood instead of going into the cells, making blood sugar levels very high. This can cause health problems if not controlled. People with Type 1 Diabetes need to take insulin every day, either with injections or a pump. They also need to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and visit the doctor often. Learning how to check blood sugar and understanding how food and activity affect the body helps keep health problems away and makes living with Type 1 Diabetes easier. What Causes Type 1 Diabetes? Type 1 Diabetes happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into the body’s cells to give us energy. When these cells are destroyed, the body can’t produce insulin, and blood sugar levels rise. Why does this happen? Scientists aren’t exactly sure why this immune attack occurs, but they believe it’s due to a mix of genes and environmental factors: Environmental Factors: ● Viral infections (like enteroviruses, rubella, or mumps) ● Drinking cow’s milk or certain baby formulas at a young age might sometimes trigger the immune system to attack the body’s own cells. ● Being around certain harmful chemicals in food, water, or the environment might increase the chance of the immune system attacking the body’s cells. ● Low vitamin D levels in early childhood. Genetics: ● If family members have Type 1 Diabetes, your chances are higher. ● If your mother has it, the risk is about 1-4%. ● If your father has it, risk is about 3-8%. ● If both parents have it, risk can be as high as 30%. ● Genes make you more likely, but don’t directly cause the disease. Autoimmune Reaction: ● Type 1 Diabetes happens when the body’s defense system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. ● This attack can happen slowly over time, and it may take months or years before you notice any signs or symptoms. What Type 1 Diabetes Is Not Caused By: ● Type 1 Diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar. ● It’s not caused by being overweight or lifestyle choices. ● Even healthy and active kids and adults can develop it. ● It’s an autoimmune condition, and it’s not anyone’s fault. Common Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms can come on quickly and get worse fast. If not treated, it can cause serious problems. ● Feeling very thirsty and needing to pee often ● Feeling very hungry even after eating ● Losing weight without trying ● Feeling tired and weak ● Blurry vision ● Mood swings or irritability ● Fruity-smelling breath ● Wounds that heal slowly ● Getting sick or infections often ● In children, signs like bedwetting, tiredness, and sudden behavior changes are important to notice. Treatment Options for Type 1 Diabetes There is no cure for Type 1 Diabetes yet, but it can be managed well with the right care and habits. Here’s how: Insulin Therapy People with T1D need to take insulin every day. This can be through: Injections Insulin pens Insulin pumps Automated systems that deliver insulin automatically Blood Sugar Monitoring Keeping blood sugar in the right range is important. You can do this by: Normal levels: Before meals: 80-130 mg/dL 1-2 hours after eating: less than 180 mg/dL Why it’s important: Prevents feeling tired, thirsty, or dizzy Reduces risk of health problems like kidney, eye, and nerve damage How to keep it in range: Regularly check blood sugar Eat healthy and follow your doctor’s advice Stay active and take medicines as prescribed Finger-prick tests Using Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) that track sugar levels all the time and alert you if they go too high or too low. Counting Carbs in Food Eating low-glycemic foods (which don’t spike sugar quickly) Having regular meal times Limiting sugar and processed foods A dietitian can help plan the best diet for you. Physical Activity Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and control blood glucose. People with Type 1 Diabetes should:   Exercise regularly Monitor blood sugar before and after Adjust insulin and snacks as needed Complications of Poorly Controlled Type 1 Diabetes: Diabetic Retinopathy: High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss if untreated. Diabetic Neuropathy: Nerve damage causing symptoms like numbness, tingling, or burning pain, particularly in the feet and hands. Kidney Disease (Nephropathy): Long-term high blood sugar can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure if not properly managed. Cardiovascular Disease: Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart-related issues. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): A life-threatening condition resulting from severe insulin deficiency, leading to dangerously high blood sugar and acidic blood. Emotional Support Living with T1D can affect mental health. Support from family, friends, counselors, and diabetes educators is important.   Join support groups Practice stress relief techniques Talk to a psychologist if needed Risks of Poor Control If T1D is

Essential Knowledge About Diabetes -By Dr. Ravi Shah, Endocrinologist INTRODUCTION Diabetes is a complex and common health condition affecting millions worldwide. If you or someone you care about has diabetes, or if you’re simply looking to understand it better, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview. From what causes diabetes to its types, warning signs, and practical ways to stay healthy, this blog will cover it all. For personalized guidance, it’s always best to consult a trusted endocrinologist like Dr. Ravi Shah, one of the best endocrinologists in Ahmedabad, for expert advice and care. What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels due to either insufficient insulin production, impaired insulin action, or both. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar by facilitating its uptake into cells for energy. When this system is disrupted, blood sugar remains elevated, potentially leading to long-term complications affecting various organs. Why is Managing Blood Sugar Important? Persistently high blood sugar can damage vital organs over time, including the eyes (diabetic retinopathy), kidneys (diabetic nephropathy), nerves (diabetic neuropathy), and heart (cardiovascular disease). Effective diabetes management, including healthy eating, physical activity, medication, and regular monitoring, can significantly reduce these risks. Types of Diabetes • Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) An autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It usually begins in childhood or early adulthood and requires lifelong insulin therapy. • Type 2 Diabetes (T2D): The most common type, typically seen in adults but increasingly diagnosed in younger populations. It is characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Lifestyle factors like poor diet, obesity, and physical inactivity significantly contribute to its development. • Gestational Diabetes (GDM) Develops during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and insulin resistance. It usually resolves after delivery but increases the long-term risk of T2D for both mother and child. • Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) Sometimes called ‘Type 1.5 diabetes,’ it presents like T2D but involves autoimmune destruction of beta cells, similar to T1D. It typically progresses more slowly than classic T1D. • Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) A rare, genetic form of diabetes caused by single-gene mutations. It often presents in adolescence or early adulthood and can be managed with lifestyle changes or specific oral medications. • Secondary Diabetes Caused by other medical conditions (e.g., pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis) or medications (e.g., steroids). How Does Diabetes Affect the Body? Pancreas The insulin-producing beta cells are either destroyed (T1D) or become dysfunctional over time (T2D), leading to reduced insulin production. Liver Releases glucose into the blood for energy but can overproduce glucose in the setting of insulin resistance, worsening hyperglycemia. Kidneys Filter excess glucose from the blood, but prolonged high blood sugar can lead to kidney damage (nephropathy). Muscles Use glucose for energy but may struggle toabsorb it efficiently in the presence of insulin resistance. Brain Uses glucose as a primary fuel but can be affected by insulin resistance, influencing appetite and energy balance. Eyes (Retinopathy) High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to blurred vision, vision loss, or blindness if untreated.  Who is at Risk? 1. Overweight or obese individuals, particularly those with central obesity (apple-shaped body). 2. People with a family history of diabetes. 3. Those with sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits. 4. Women with a history of gestational diabetes. 5. People with certain ethnic backgrounds (e.g., South Asians) at higher risk of T2D. Key Warning Signs of Diabetes Frequent urination (Polyuria) Excessive thirst (Polydipsia) Unexplained Weight loss Fatigue Blurred Vision Slow wound healing Diabetes Testing and Diagnosis: 1.Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Less than 100 mg/dL is normal, 100-125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes, 126 mg/dL or higher confirms diabetes. 2.Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS) Less than 140 mg/dL is normal, 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes. 3.HbA1c Reflects average blood glucose over 2-3 months. Normal is below 5.7%, prediabetes is 5.7-6.4%, and 6.5% or above confirms diabetes. 4. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) Measures the body’s ability to handle glucose over a few hours. Conclusion Managing diabetes effectively can prevent complications and improve quality of life. Regular check-ups with a trusted endocrinologist like Dr. Ravi Shah, the best endocrinologist in Ahmedabad, can make a significant difference in your health journey. Take control of your health today – early action leads to better outcomes.  For expert care in Ahmedabad, consult Dr. Ravi Shah, a specialist in diabetes and hormone-related disorders.