Your body uses blood sugar, which is also called glucose, for energy. But it needs insulin, a chemical secreted by the pancreas, to move the glucose from your blood into your body’s cells. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops making insulin, so blood sugar remains in your blood stream where it rises to dangerous levels.

Type 1 diabetes is sometimes called juvenile diabetes because it is often diagnosed in children and young adults, but the disease can occur at any age. Doctors are unsure why someone develops type 1 diabetes but believe that autoimmune problems, genetic issues, or environmental factors are possible explanations.

Symptoms

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes will vary from person to person and can include:

• Feeling hungry even after eating

• Feeling unusually thirsty

• Increased frequency of urination

• Weight loss despite eating well

• Feeling tired and irritable

• Inability to concentrate

• Inability to see clearly

• Tingling sensation in the feet

These symptoms are all signs of high blood sugar, a condition known as hyperglycemia. They tend to appear suddenly, progress rapidly, and can lead to a variety of complications.

 

Complications

Consistently high levels of blood sugar make it hard for white blood cells to fight infection. So someone with type 1 diabetes is more vulnerable to illness from bacteria and fungi.

High blood sugar also causes LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol, levels to rise. Much of this cholesterol becomes lodged in blood vessel walls as plaque, which narrows and restricts blood flow throughout the body. Poor circulation can severely damage organs throughout the body including the:

• Heart: Low blood flow to the heart increases the risk of heart attack

• Brain: Less blood supply to the brain can lead to stroke

• Kidneys: The kidneys may stop working if there is no blood supply

• Eyes: Hampered circulation to the eyes may cause poor vision

• Legs: Poor blood supply to legs may cause extremely painful cramps

• Nerves: Low blood supply can damage nerves and cause tingling, burning, or loss of sensation, frequently to the feet and legs; in addition, a loss of sensitivity from nerve damage makes a person susceptible to wounds and cuts, which may not heal due to the poor blood supply, especially in legs – in extreme cases amputation may be required

• Skin: Bacterial skin infections are common when the blood circulation is poor

 

Doctors frequently prescribe medication to lower the blood pressure and cholesterol levels of type 1 diabetics. However, the key to slowing and preventing complications of type 1 diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels near normal.

There are two primary methods for managing blood sugar levels: insulin treatments and diet and exercise.

Diet and Exercise

Carbohydrates, which are sugars and starches found in food, directly affect blood sugar. So, someone with type 1 diabetes must pay close attention to how many carbs they eat every day.

Here are a few tips for a balanced and healthy diet that can help control blood sugar levels:

• Include fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet

• Avoid fried foods; instead try to eat more baked, steamed, or boiled foods

• Avoid refined sugars

• Include whole grain breads and cereals

• Limit salty foods and watch for hidden sources of salt

Exercise is equally important for controlling blood sugar – and it helps to improve overall fitness, as well. Many doctors recommend aerobic exercise, like walking, bicycling, and swimming. These exercises help increase circulation by making the heart beat faster. Be sure to talk to a doctor before beginning any type of regular exercise routine.

 

People with type 1 diabetes have to take supplemental insulin every day. How much insulin a person needs depends on their eating habits, general health, and level of physical activity. Someone with type 1 diabetes must check their blood sugar levels several times a day to make sure they are taking the correct amount of insulin.

Using too much insulin can cause blood sugar levels to drop below normal, a serious condition known as hypoglycemia. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Being tired and weak

• Sweating

• Headache

• Feeling dizzy

• Irritability

• An inability to think and speak clearly

• Becoming pale

A quick way to counteract hypoglycemia is to consume a fast-acting sugar like fruit juice, candy, non-diet soda, or glucose tablets. If 15 minutes pass and symptoms remain, eat some more sugar. These steps can be repeated until blood sugar levels are back to normal.

It is also helpful to have family members and friends who can spot the signs and know what to do about hypoglycemia.

 

Although there is no cure for the disease, by paying attention to diet and taking insulin as needed, a person with type 1 diabetes can keep their blood sugar at normal levels and lead a fit and full life.

Here are a few more steps that can make every day a healthy day:

• Maintain healthy cholesterol levels

• Do not smoke

• Inspect and care for feet

• Get an eye examination every year

• Visit the dentist twice a year to check for oral infections

• Get annual flu and pneumonia vaccines