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Diabetes comes in two primary varieties:

• Type 1 - in which there is no production of insulin by the pancreas
• Type 2 - occurs when the body's cells do not respond to insulin or when the pancreas does not create enough of it

Some pregnant women develop gestational diabetes, a different kind of diabetes that usually goes away after giving birth. Diabetes must be identified as soon as possible since, if untreated, it will only get worse with time.

Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexpected weight loss, you should see a doctor (see the list below for more diabetes symptoms).

Type 1 diabetes

Although type 1 diabetes can arise at any age, it typically does so before the age of 40, often during childhood. Only 10% of all cases of diabetes are type 1.When a person has type 1 diabetes, the pancreas, a tiny gland located behind the stomach, gradually stops generating any insulin at all. Insulin is the hormone that controls blood glucose levels.

Over time, having too much glucose in the blood can gravely harm the body's organs.

Type 1 Diabetes symptoms

• Feeling more thirsty than usual.
• Urinating a lot.
• Bed-wetting in children who have never wet the bed during the night.
• Feeling very hungry.
• Losing weight without trying.
• Feeling irritable or having other mood changes.
• Feeling tired and weak.
• Having blurry vision.

Causes of type 1 diabetes

It is believed that an autoimmune reaction is what causes type 1 diabetes (the body attacks itself by mistake). The beta cells, which produce insulin in the pancreas, are destroyed by this process. Before any symptoms show, this process can continue for months or even years.

Treatment of type 1 diabetes

• Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes:
• Taking insulin
• Counting carbohydrates, fats and protein
• Monitoring blood sugar often
• Eating healthy foods
• Exercising regularly and keeping a healthy weight

To delay or avoid difficulties, it is important to maintain blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Pre-meal blood sugar levels should typically be kept between 80 and 130 mg/dl (4.44 and 7.2 mmol/L) during the day. Two hours after eating, post-meal values shouldn't be more than 180 mg/dl (10 mmol/L).

Complications In Type 1 Diabetes

Complications from type 1 diabetes over time may have an impact on the body's primary organs. The heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys are some of these organs. The risk of several problems can be reduced by maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

Diabetes problems might impair your ability to function or possibly put your life in danger.

Heart and blood vessel disease. Diabetes raises the risk of some heart and blood vessel issues. These include excessive blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease with chest discomfort (angina), and arterial constriction (atherosclerosis).

Nerve damage (neuropathy). The walls of the tiny blood arteries (capillaries) that supply the nerves can become damaged if there is too much sugar in the blood. In the legs, this is especially true. Tingling, numbness, burning, or discomfort may result from this. This typically spreads upward from the tips of the toes or fingers. Over time, having poorly managed blood sugar may cause you to lose all feeling in the affected limbs.

The digestive system's nerves that control nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation might become damaged. Erectile dysfunction may be a problem for males.

Skin and mouth conditions. You can be more susceptible to skin and mouth infections if you have diabetes. Infections caused by bacteria and fungi are among them. Dry mouth and gum problems are also more probable.

Kidney damage (nephropathy). Millions of small blood capillaries in the kidneys prevent waste from entering the bloodstream. This system may be harmed by diabetes. Renal failure or irreversible end-stage kidney disease can result from severe injury. Dialysis or kidney transplantation are the only treatments available for end-stage renal disease.

Pregnancy complications. Both parents and babies may be at danger from high blood sugar levels. When diabetes is poorly managed, the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth abnormalities rises. Diabetes raises the parent's risk of developing preeclampsia, diabetic ketoacidosis, retinopathy, high blood pressure brought on by pregnancy, and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Eye damage. Blood vessels in the retina, which is a portion of the eye that detects light, can be harmed by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy). Blindness could result from this. Diabetes also raises the risk of glaucoma and cataracts, two devastating eye diseases.

Foot damage. Some foot issues are more likely to occur if there is nerve damage in the feet or insufficient blood supply to the feet. Blisters and wounds can develop into dangerous infections if left untreated. Toe, foot, or limb removal may be necessary for the treatment of certain infections (amputation).

Living with diabetes

You must carefully monitor your health if you have type 1 diabetes. Maintaining good health will help reduce your chances of problems and make managing your diabetes easier.

For instance, maintaining a balanced, healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise will lower your blood glucose level. If you currently smoke, quitting will also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes puts your eyes at risk for diabetic retinopathy, a condition that, if left untreated, can cause blindness. Every diabetic patient above the age of 12 should be asked for an annual eye exam.