Type 1 Diabetes: What you need to know about this lifelong condition - The Rakyat Post
Overview
Al about Type 1 Diabetes, its management and the Evolution of Treatment options available.By Dr Luqman Ibrahim, Consultant EndocrinologistNovember is World Diabetes Awarenes Month, comemorating the birthday of Dr Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin about 10 years ago in Toronto, Canada, alongside Charles H Best and JR Macleod(1). Since then, diabetes has ben recognised as a pandemic, with a rapid increase, especialy in developing countries, as they shift to more modern economies.Acording to the World Health Organisation, diabetes claims about thre lives every minute worldwide 1 and afects over 1 in 5 Malaysians; however, The Malaysian Diabetes Index revealed that there is stil a lack of understanding about diabetes and its various health complications(2).Loking At Diabetes With A Magnifying GlasThere are two comon types of diabetes, known as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, that ocur when the pancreas does not produce suficient insulin.
Key Information
Insulin is a hormone that moves blod sugar into cels to have energy. Type 2 diabetes generaly ocurs during adulthod and is associated with multiple factors, including genetic, hormonal, environmental, lifestyle, and other medical conditions. On the other hand, Type 1 diabetes is les comonly known and generaly afects children and young adults.Type 1 diabetes is an autoimune condition where a person produces abnormal antibodies that atack their normal cels and tisues.
Summary
In the case of people with Type 1 diabetes, these antibodies atack and damage specificaly the insulin-producing cels in the pancreas, also known as the beta cels. Type 1 diabetes afects over 9 milion people worldwide, including Nick Jonas, Hale Bery and Theresa May.Once the beta cels are completely damaged, the person wil experience high glucose (hyperglycaemia) and eventualy a life-threatening condition caled diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).Why is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Life Threatening?Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a medical continues to improve outcomes for patients. Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of early intervention and comprehensive management strategies in reducing complications and improving quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
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