Why does type 1 diabetes develop | How is type 1 diabetes manifested | Symptoms | Is prevention of type 1 diabetes possible
Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disease that is characterized by an increase in blood sugar. This disease is divided into two types: type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They differ in that with type 1 a person needs insulin injections, with type 2 you can do without them. Thus, type 1 diabetes is insulin-dependent diabetes.
Why does type 1 diabetes develop
The cause of type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune process that destroys pancreatic cells that produce insulin (beta cells). Not without a genetic predisposition, due to which viral infections, severe stress, in young children, can trigger an autoimmune process. The etiology of type 1 diabetes includes more than one factor leading to the destruction of beta cells. With the destruction of 50-80% of beta cells, the disease already begins.
The pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes is an absolute deficiency of insulin, since the pancreas produces very little or not at all. Because of this, glucose does not enter the tissue cells, and they lack energy. This, in turn, triggers other processes in the body, causing a deterioration in well-being, disruption of the work of many organs.
How is type 1 diabetes manifested
Type 1 diabetes can be very disruptive. Most often, the rapid development of the symptoms of the disease and a significant deterioration in the condition occur in children and young adults. In just a few weeks, the condition can worsen to a diabetic coma, when you have to take emergency measures to save a life.
In people over 40 years old, diabetes can be less pronounced, sometimes in latent forms.
The first signs of type 1 diabetes are intense thirst and frequent urination. These manifestations are also characteristic of type 2 diabetes, however, with an insulin-dependent form of the disease, they are very pronounced. When performing a blood sugar test, it is high, and sugar is also found in urine.
In addition, many other symptoms develop that extend to almost the entire body.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes
- Itchy skin
- Losing weight
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain,
- Decreased performance
- Weakness, lethargy,
- Decreased vision
With a significant excess of sugar in the blood, consciousness is fogged up, fainting is possible, in severe cases a coma.
All these symptoms significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life. A person feels bad, becomes nervous, irritable. Weight loss can be very noticeable: up to 10-15 kg in a few weeks. Overwhelming thirst is accompanied by frequent trips to the toilet. A patient with type 1 diabetes can drink and excrete 5-10 liters of fluid per day. At the same time, the kidneys have to overwork, which is also negatively affects their condition and often causes nephropathy.
Symptoms of diabetes significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life.
The condition of the body inevitably affects the condition of the skin. It becomes dry, itchy, skin infections become frequent and even small wounds do not heal well.
Destructive processes affect the nerves and nerve endings. As a result, neuropathies develop, sensitivity, for example, of fingers decreases. Legs may go numb; cramps are not uncommon. A fairly common symptom is a decrease in visual acuity, which can progress to complete blindness.
Is prevention of type 1 diabetes possible
Primary prevention, that is, measures that will help reduce the risk of diabetes comes down to proper nutrition, the prevention of viral infections. Correct education plays an important role, in which the child is taught to react correctly to stressful situations.
If diabetes is already diagnosed, then prevention of exacerbations, that is, maintaining a stable level of sugar in the blood, comes to the fore. This is achieved by strict adherence to diet and insulin injections.