What is diabetes type 1?
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease that affects the body's ability to convert glucose from food into energy. In most cases, type 1 diabetes develops at a young age and is often diagnosed in childhood.
Being overweight is not a risk factor for diabetes type 1
Usually, excess body weight is not characteristic of type 1 diabetes, but experts recommend that such patients follow a low-carbohydrate diet. Reducing the amount of carbohydrates consumed helps to normalize the level of glucose in the blood and reduce the risk of the appearance of fat deposits.
A person with diabetes of any type must necessarily introduce physical activity into his life. Any type of vigorous physical activity is suitable - hiking, breathing exercises, yoga.
The cause of diabetes type 1
The causes are related to insulin deficiency.
Type 1 diabetes differs from other forms of diabetes because it is based on complete damage to the cells of the pancreas, which makes it impossible to produce insulin. Other types of diabetes result from the resistance of the body's cells to the insulin produced by the pancreas. As a result of food digestion, the blood sugar level increases, and the body's energy expenditure leads to its decrease. Normally, these fluctuations are strictly limited, and the body regulates glucose storage and release to maintain balance.
Rapid weight loss can be a sign of diabetes type 1
Signs of diabetes of the first type are:
- a large loss of weight
- thirst
- frequent urination
- dry mouth
- irritability
- rapid fatigue
- nausea
- vomiting
Secondary symptoms of diabetes of this type are:
- pain in the heart
- pain in the calf muscles and cramps in them
- furunculosis
- skin itching
- headache
- irritability
- sleep disturbances
Regarding secondary signs of type 1 diabetes in children, the appearance of nocturnal urinary incontinence should be noted.
Regular insulin dosing helps maintain stable body weight
When the body does not produce insulin, the glucose we absorb from food cannot be used for energy production. As a result, fats are burned faster and a person rapidly loses weight, so the introduction of insulin maintains a normal state.
Summary
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease caused by insulin deficiency. It affects the body's ability to convert glucose from food into energy and is often diagnosed in childhood. Being overweight is not a risk factor for type 1 diabetes, but a low-carbohydrate diet and physical activity can help manage it. Rapid weight loss can be a sign of type 1 diabetes, along with thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Regular insulin dosing helps maintain stable body weight.
