Type 1 Diabetes
An auto-immune condition, type 1 diabetes is when the immune system activates to destroy insulin producing cells in the pancreas and occurs when your pancreas does not produce insulin.
Type 1 diabetes represents approximately 10 percent of all diabetes cases. It is one of the most common childhood conditions and its onset is typically sudden with obvious symptoms.
Causes, symptoms and risk factors of type 1 diabetes
It is unknown as to what triggers this auto-immune reaction, as type 1 diabetes is not linked to any modifiable lifestyle factors. It usually occurs as our own immune system, when fighting harmful bacteria or viruses, destroys the pancreas’s insulin producing cells by mistake. Other possible causes can be genetics, environmental factors or exposure to viruses.
Symptoms include:
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness and fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Always feeling hungry
- Slow healing cuts
- Skin infections and itching of the skin
- Mood swings
- Dizziness
- Leg cramps
Some of the risk factors include:
- If you have a family history of a parent or a sibling with type 1 diabetes you have a slightly increased risk.
- There are certain genes that indicate increased risks of the development of type 1 diabetes.
- There is a higher incidence of type 1 diabetes based on geography for those who are further away from the equator.
- Age is a factor. Although it can occur at any age there are two noticeable peaks. The first in children between 4 and 7 years and the second in children between 10 and 14 years.
How is type 1 diabetes in children diagnosed?
A random blood sugar test is the primary diagnosis and screening tool for type 1 diabetes in children.
Other blood tests include:
- A1C or glycated haemoglobin test
- Fasting blood sugar test
If a blood sugar test does indicate diabetes, Dr Nandi will likely recommend additional tests to distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These include blood tests to check for common type 1 diabetes antibodies and/or urine or blood tests checking for ketones.
Prevention of type 1 diabetes
As yet, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and there is no cure.
Treatment and management
Type 1 diabetes is a serious and life-threatening condition that requires close management and daily care.
Dr Nandi’s practice includes diagnosis and ongoing treatment and management of type 1 diabetes in conjunction with our practice diabetes educator. With the support of our clinical team, we will help you in the ongoing management of your diabetes through:
- Insulin replacement with injections or the use of an insulin pump.
- Ongoing monitoring of blood glucose levels.
- A healthy diet and eating plan.
- The development of a regular exercise program.
Type 1 diabetes can be successfully managed
With the right diagnosis and support, type 1 diabetes can be successfully managed. Please ask your GP for a referral to Dr Nandi and arrange for a consultation to discuss your condition.
