What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a serious autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar (glucose), which is the body’s primary source of energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed into cells, leading to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) and can result in serious health conditions.
The exact cause of this autoimmune reaction is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Unlike type 2 diabetes, which is often related to lifestyle factors and aging, type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or adolescence, though it can occur at any age. Diagnosis is often confirmed through blood tests showing hyperglycemia, low insulin levels, and the presence of autoantibodies against pancreatic cells.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:
Increased thirst and frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Blurred vision
Increased hunger
These symptoms can develop quickly, often within a few weeks or months, and require prompt medical attention.
If left unmanaged, type 1 diabetes can cause:
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Severe hyperglycemia
Cardiovascular disease
Kidney damage
Nerve damage
Vision loss
Amputations
Diabetic coma and death
How is Type 1 Diabetes Treated?
Although there is no cure for type 1 diabetes, it can be managed effectively through insulin therapy, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels. While controlling high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is a key goal, preventing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is equally, if not more, critical. For this reason, close monitoring and working with the healthcare provider regularly to manage the condition is essential.
Insulin Therapy
Because the body no longer produces insulin, people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day. There are different types of insulin, ranging from rapid- to long-acting insulins, and the right combination will vary from person to person. Insulin can be delivered through multiple daily injections or an insulin pump, depending on the patient’s preferences, lifestyle, and financial accessibility.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Many patients benefit from using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a device that tracks blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. CGM systems provide real-time data, helping individuals adjust their insulin doses as needed to avoid highs and lows in blood sugar. Some CGMs can even be configured to provide critical alerts if the wearer's blood sugar levels are trending dangerous high or low, helping them make appropriate adjustments to help prevent more serious complications.
Healthy Lifestyle
In addition to insulin therapy, maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity is crucial for managing blood sugar. Shopping for the right foods, managing how to dine out, counting carbohydrates, and meal planning are just some of the few strategies that can be utilized to support optimal blood sugar control and overall health.
Education and Support
Thriving with type 1 diabetes requires ongoing education, support, and adaptation. Learning how to count carbs, adjust insulin doses, and handle sick days, travel, and exercise are just some of the things an individual with type 1 diabetes needs to master. Living with type 1 diabetes is also not easy, and quite frankly unfair. Type 1s need to have the appropriate emotional support and safety net to be able to discuss the day-to-day hardships that come with the condition.
Other Medications
People with type 1 diabetes may also be prescribed other medications to help with other potential health conditions. These medications may be used to lower blood pressure, help keep your kidneys healthy, help protect your heart, lower cholesterol, and lose weight.
Finding the Right Provider
Managing type 1 diabetes can feel overwhelming, but with the right healthcare team, you can thrive. It is essential to find a provider who not only has expertise in diabetes care, but also becomes a partner in life as they address your ever-evolving individual needs and concerns.
When looking for a provider, consider the following:
Experience with Type 1 Diabetes: Ensure your healthcare team is knowledgeable about the latest advances in diabetes care, including insulin therapies and diabetes technologies like CGMs and insulin pumps. Look for a provider with endocrinology training and experience in all age groups, and make sure they understand that type 1 diabetes is very different from type 2 diabetes.
Personalized Care: Every person with type 1 diabetes is different. Find a provider who is genuinely interested in getting to know you, who can then customize your treatment plan based on your specific health needs, activity level, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Ongoing Support: Type 1 diabetes management is a lifelong journey, so it is important to choose a provider who offers long-term support, education, and encouragement. Regular access and communications with your provider may be critical to success and having peace of mind when living with type 1 diabetes.
Remote Monitoring: You should not be alone in managing your condition. Find a proactive provider who is equipped to remotely monitor your numbers wherever you are, so that they can detect issues early before they develop into potentially serious health issues.
Financial Assistance: Type 1 diabetes therapies can be very expensive, especially when it comes to CGM and insulin pumps. Make sure your provider will support you through prior authorizations, navigation of your health insurance, and any other financial assistance programs in order to get you what you need in an affordable and timely manner.
