What is type 1 diabetes?
AN insulin dependEnt CONDITION
At first glance, type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) Mellitus look identical. They have similar characteristics that behave in similar ways. But, they have key differences that will dictate how you manage your diabetes and how it will influence your life.
T1D, is an autoimmune condition. T1D occurs when the body’s immune system begins to attack the cells in the pancreas (called beta-cells) that produce and secrete insulin, a hormone that’s required to up take glucose from the blood and uses it to make energy. In T1D’s, the immune system is triggered and antibodies are created that attack insulin producing beta-cells, ultimately killing them and making the pancreas unable to produce insulin.
In T1D’s, insulin therapies and or diet restrictions alone will not effectively control blood sugars. In fact, restricting carb intake to extremely low or zero numbers can be detrimental because the body needs glucose for survival.
what leads to T1D?
We’re not sure exactly why the body attacks insulin producing beta-cells. We think it’s due to a recent viral infection, aka you get sick and or your body becomes run down by excessive activity and or an unhealthy lifestyle. As beta-cell destruction occurs, the body finds it more difficult uptake glucose into cells.
When the body can’t regulate glucose, one might experience incredibly high blood sugar levels that can damage organs like the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and eyes. This can eventually lead to amputations, kidney failure, eye disease, heart disease, and much more.
In T1D’s, insulin or diet restrictions alone will not effectively control high sugar levels. In fact, restricting carb intake to significantly low or zero numbers can be detrimental to the body because the body needs glucose for survival. In some cases, high blood sugar levels can cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) when the body produces too many ketones, which turn the body’s blood acidic. Untreated ketoacidosis is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition.
what are the common symptoms?
- Excessive Urination
- Excessive Thirst
- Fatigue
- Blurry Vision
- Slow Healing From Cuts & Bruising
- Increased Weight Loss
what leads to T1D?
We’re not sure exactly why the body attacks insulin producing beta-cells. We think it’s due to a recent viral infection, aka you get sick and or your body becomes run down by excessive activity and or an unhealthy lifestyle. As this process occurs of beta-cell destruction, glucose cannot then be taken up into cells.
When the body can’t regulate glucose breakdown, one might experience incredibly high blood sugar levels that can damage organs like the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and eyes. This can eventually lead to amputations, kidney failure, eye disease, heart disease, and much more.
In T1D’s, insulin or diet restrictions alone will not effectively control high sugar levels. In fact, restricting carb intake to significantly low or zero numbers can be detrimental to the body because the body needs glucose for survival. In some cases, high blood sugar levels can cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) when the body produces too many ketones, which turn the body’s blood acidic. Untreated ketoacidosis is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition.
what are the common symptoms?
- Excessive Urination
- Excessive Thirst
- Fatigue
- Blurry Vision
- Slow Healing From Cuts & Bruising
- Increased Weight Loss
what leads to T1D?
We’re not sure exactly why the body attacks itself. We think it’s due to a recent viral infection, aka you get sick and or your body becomes run down by excessive activity and or an unhealthy lifestyle. As this process occurs of beta-cell destruction, glucose cannot then be taken up into cells.
When the body can’t regulate glucose breakdown, one might experience incredibly high blood sugar levels that can damage organs like the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and eyes. This can eventually lead to amputations, kidney failure, eye disease, heart disease, and much more.
In T1D’s, insulin or diet restrictions alone will not effectively control high sugar levels. In fact, restricting carb intake to significantly low or zero numbers can be detrimental to the body because the body needs glucose for survival. In some cases, high blood sugar levels can cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) when the body produces too many ketones, which turn the body’s blood acidic. Untreated ketoacidosis is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition.
what are the common symptoms?
- Excessive Urination
- Excessive Thirst
- Fatigue
- Blurry Vision
- Slow Healing From Cuts & Bruising
- Increased Weight Loss
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?
For T1D’s, the uptake of insulin at safe levels, which a doctor or ENDOCRINOLOGIST should only prescribe, is only one part of the solution to healthy blood sugars. Insulin therapies must be used alongside healthy lifestyle habits like healthy nutritional habits, exercise, and a positive mindset.
Using just one of these tools alone will not be sufficient to achieve healthy blood sugars to live the life you desire.
This process takes time, energy, positivity, and a great environment and support system to make mistakes and ultimately FIGURE OUT WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!
For T1D’s, the uptake of insulin at safe levels, which a doctor or ENDOCRINOLOGIST should only prescribe, is only one part of the solution to healthy blood sugars. Insulin therapies must be used alongside healthy lifestyle habits like healthy nutritional habits, exercise, and a positive mindset.
Using just one of these tools alone will not be sufficient to achieve healthy blood sugars to live the life you want with diabetes.
This process takes time, energy, positivity, and a great environment and support system to make mistakes and ultimately FIGURE OUT WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!
