What is Type 1 diabetes?

By Published On: July 15, 20246.3 min read
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What is Type 1 diabetes?

Living with Type 1 diabetes may seem like a life sentence. The regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, the meticulous planning of meals, and taking multiple insulin shots daily can become a constant source of stress. Yet, sometimes these essential steps alone are not enough.

To support your diabetes journey, include Ayurvedic products like Krishna’s Diabic Care Juice. It is a powerful formulation of multiple herbs that are known to manage blood sugar in a completely natural manner.

This article has compiled everything you need to know about Type 1 Diabetes and its management. So, read on to get the full breakdown.

What is Type 1 diabetes?

This is a chronic (lifelong) autoimmune condition in which your immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing cells (beta cells) in the pancreas. It is a gland situated deep in your abdominal cavity that produces digestive enzymes and insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose (sugar) from blood into your muscle, fat and liver cells for energy production or to be stored for later use. This is how your body uses sugar under normal circumstances.

In type 1 diabetes your pancreas is unable to make enough insulin or any at all due to which sugar builds up in your blood, causing high blood sugar.

Type 1 diabetes can affect anyone at any age but it is often diagnosed in children between the ages of 4 to 6 and in early puberty (10 to 14 years) and young adults. Also, the possibility of developing the condition increases slightly if your parent or sibling has it. 

Have High Blood Sugar Levels? Here Are Some Ayurvedic Products That Can Help

  • Krishna’s Diabic Care Juice: An ayurvedic blend of 11 antidiabetic herbs that help stabilize uncontrolled spikes in blood sugar levels and strengthen pancreas function.
  • Krishna’s Diabic Care Tablet: Helps naturally control blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes-related complications.
  • Krishna’s Karela Jamun Neem Juice: Combines the health benefits of Jamun, Karela, and Neem to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, boost immunity, improve metabolism, and digestive health.
  • Krishna’s Paneer Phool: These are organically grown Paneer Doda, known for its sugar-controlling and anti-platelet properties, which can aid in improving the wound healing process associated with diabetes.
  • Krishna’s Jamun Juice: Pure juice made with jamun seeds. A fruit, popularly known for its antidiabetic and antioxidant functionality.

Click Here: For Online Consultation With Expert Vaidya

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes

The symptoms usually start mild and become worse or more intense as the disease progresses, which could take months or years. They include:

  • Unusual thirst
  • Persistent hunger
  • Frequent peeing
  • Dry mouth
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Upset stomach and vomiting
  • Feeling tired all the time
  • Blurred vision
  • Rapid breathing (your doctor may call this Kussmaul respiration)
  • Recurrent yeast or fungal infections
  • Discomfort or numbness in hands and feet.
  • Mood changes

Key Factors Influencing Type 1 Diabetes Risk

Though the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is yet not known, it is believed that the condition occurs due to genetic factors, as it can run in families. Some research also shows that exposure to certain viruses or environmental toxins may trigger the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy cells, in this case, beta cells in the pancreas that make insulin.

The risk factors for type 1 diabetes are not as well understood as those for type 2 diabetes. However, you may have a higher chance of developing type 1 diabetes if you:

  • Are under 20 years old
  • Are white
  • Have a family member with type 1 diabetes
  • Are overweight

Diagnosing Type 1 Diabetes

If you have symptoms that suggest type 1 diabetes, your doctor will advise blood tests. A random plasma glucose test measures your blood sugar at a specific moment, while an A1C test shows your average blood glucose levels over the past 3 months.

These tests can indicate if you have diabetes, but further tests may be needed to determine if it’s type 1 or type 2. Your doctor may also advise tests to check for specific autoantibodies that are more common in type 1 diabetes to confirm the diagnosis.

Navigating Type 1 Diabetes Treatment Options

The lack of insulin due to pancreatic cell destruction is the underlying cause of type 1 diabetes. Hence, the treatment focuses on replacing the insulin that your body no longer produces.

You will be prescribed synthetic human insulin that needs to be taken multiple times daily to stay healthy. Insulin is administered in the form of an injection and not as a tablet because it gets broken down in your stomach.

There are many different types and ways of administering insulin, and the treatment plan is individualised to best suit your needs.

Along with insulin therapy, regular monitoring of blood sugar, eating a healthy diet and physical activity are critically important to reach your glycated haemoglobin (A1C) goals and manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Conscious choices to mindfully manage type 1 diabetes

Monitor your blood sugar regularly

This plays a pivotal role in supporting diabetes management. To maintain a healthy blood sugar range and avoid health complications you need to monitor your blood sugar closely throughout the day. You can do this using a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device.

Count your carbs

In order to give yourself proper doses of insulin you’ll need to count the amount of carbohydrates in the food and drinks you consume. This helps prevent high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) if too little insulin is taken or low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) if too much insulin is taken.

Generally speaking, you should centre your diet on nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while cutting back on refined carbohydrates, such as white bread sweets and animal products which spike blood sugar rapidly. A registered dietitian can help you count the amount of carbohydrates in each meal that fits your needs.

Get moving

Regular exercise not only helps burn fat and extra calories to reach and maintain a healthy weight but also helps control the amount of sugar in your blood.

Find activities that bring you joy. It doesn’t have to be the gym; you can dance, bike, or simply go for a walk. Aim to stay active most days of the week, even if it’s just a 10-minute walk. But, before you begin with any exercise program make sure to talk to your doctor.

Include Ayurvedic Treatments

Even with regular insulin therapy, your blood sugar levels may still spike once in a while. To avoid this, Ayurvedic treatments along with conventional treatment can help. Ayurvedic treatments include diet modification, stress reduction techniques (like yoga and meditation), and herbal supplements like Krishna’s Diabic Care Juice and Krishna’s Karela Jamun Neem Juice. These herbal remedies work wonders in controlling and stabilizing blood sugar levels and preventing the complications of diabetes. They also help enhance pancreatic secretion and improve insulin sensitivity in your body.

Also Read: Ayurvedic Solution For High Blood Sugar Levels

These treatments in your type 1 diabetes management plan should be done cautiously, with input from an Ayurvedic doctor. We do not advise replacing insulin therapy or other medical recommendations but are here to provide additional support in managing the condition. 

Takeaway

If you are someone newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or have been dealing with it for years, take heart – there is hope! Just keep a close eye on your daily habits and make healthy choices. Consistent day-to-day care can manage the condition and keep you in tune with your body.

Don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor if you face any difficulty in controlling your sugar levels. Seeking professional help in time can benefit your health immensely.