Diabetes Type 1 - Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

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Summary about Diabetes Type 1

Diabetes Type 1 is a chronic disease in which the pancreas produces very little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone required by our body to utilize sugar (glucose) to produce energy. It may be caused by a variety of reasons, including genetics and some viruses. Type 1 diabetes commonly happens during infancy or adolescence but occurs in adulthood as well.

Diabetes Type 1 Facts and Figures 

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), more than 19 million people in Pakistan have diabetes. Since this Type 1 diabetes also affects children, over 1.1 million children and adolescents worldwide have this condition. In addition, it is considered one of the top ten causes of death, particularly in people above 60. Some facts and statistics about Diabetes Type 1 in Pakistan have been listed below:

Prevalence of Diabetes in Pakistan	17.1% (Over 19 Million people)
Commonly Affects	Children and Adolescents
At-Risk Gender	Males
Age for Early symptoms	Childhood to early adulthood
Average Age for Diagnosis	Before 40 Years
Problems related to Diabetes Type 1	Kidney damage, Heart and blood vessel disease, Neuropathy, Diabetic Foot
Specialists Who Treat Diabetes Type 1	Diabetologists

Symptoms of Diabetes Type 1

Some signs and symptoms of diabetes type 1 include the following:

• Extreme hunger
• Unintended weight loss
• Irritability and other mood changes
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Bed-wetting in children

Causes of Diabetes Type 1

It is uncertain what causes type 1 diabetes, but some factors that can contribute towards diabetes are:

• Immune system malfunction
• Genetics
• Exposure to viruses

Diabetes Type 1 Treatment and Management

Type 1 diabetes cannot be cured, and the treatment emphasizes controlling blood sugar levels with insulin, food, and lifestyle changes to avoid complications. It can include:

• Taking insulin
• Carbohydrate, fat, and protein counting
• Blood sugar monitoring
• Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight