Diabetes – Elbestor Health

What Are the Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes?

Shilpi Singh — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 10:40:00 +0000

Type 1 diabetes, referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes, is a chronic health issue. Anyone suffering from this condition will have a pancreas either not producing insulin or making it in minute quantities.

Insulin is a peptide hormone that helps glucose (blood sugar) enter the body cells to be used as an energy source. If there is no insulin, the body cells would not be able to take up glucose and therefore the sugars would begin to accumulate in the bloodstream. This results in high blood sugar which harms the body and leads to many of the symptoms and complications of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes can happen to anyone irrespective of their age, but usually, it develops in children, adolescents, and young adults. It is less commonly found than Type 2 diabetes-i.e. about 5-10% of diabetic individuals are diagnosed to be suffering from Type 1 diabetes.

There is no definite cause of Type 1 diabetes. Medical researchers think it to be caused by an autoimmune reaction- a condition wherein the body’s self-immune cells, which normally act against harmful microbes, destroy the beta-cells (islets) of the pancreas which makes insulin. Another possible cause could be genetic predisposition-passing of traits of type 1 diabetes from parents to offspring. Sometimes, environmental triggers such as the body’s exposure to viruses can also lead to Type 1 diabetes. Its risk factors include family history, race (more risk of type 1 diabetes in white-skinned people), geography (more type 1 diabetes cases are found in an area away from the equator), and age (risk of diabetes is at its peak in children between 4 to 7 and 10 to 14 years old). Currently, Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and has no cure, but it can be treated. The potential treatments for diabetes that still are under research include pancreas transplantation or islet cell transplantation. [1, 3]

The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of The Onset of Type 1 diabetes:

Some people have mild symptoms of diabetes that can go unnoticed while others experience visible symptoms. These symptoms are usually serious and occur very suddenly, over a period of few days to weeks. The typical type 1 diabetes signs and symptoms include:

Excessive thirst
Excessive hunger-even after eating sufficient food
Frequent urination
Blurry vision
Fatigue or Extreme tiredness
Unexplained significant weight loss in less time even after eating more
Slow healing of cuts/ bruises
Bedwetting in diabetic children who have never done it at night any time before.

The first symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can even be signs of a life-threatening condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). It occurs when the blood glucose level is dangerously high and the nutrient uptake by the cells is hampered. As a result, the body breaks down the fat and muscles for energy. This causes the build-up of ketones in the blood and urine. The symptoms include:

Dry or flushed skin
Difficulty in breathing
Fruity smelling breath
Nausea or Vomiting
Stomach ache
Confusion or trouble with concentration.

If one or more of the above-mentioned typical symptoms are experienced by anyone, then they must consult a healthcare professional. However, if there are any ketoacidosis symptoms, they must get medical help immediately as it is an emergency medical issue.

In some cases, people might experience a brief remission of Type 1 diabetes symptoms while the pancreas is still producing insulin. This phase is called as honeymoon period and it occurs after someone has taken insulin. It can last for a week or even up to one year. [2, 4, 5]

How is Type 1 Diabetes Different from Type 2?

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have similar symptoms and even can result in the same kind of complications, over time. This is why some people are misdiagnosed. However, both of these diseases are very different.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the inability of the body to produce sufficient insulin on its own whereas Type 2 diabetes is the result of body cells not responding properly to insulin.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms appear very quickly and are obvious while Type 2 diabetes symptoms develop gradually over many years and sometimes there are no signs at all until the patient has a complication. [2, 4]

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment:

Once diagnosed that the body is not able to produce its insulin, insulin shots must be taken to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. Generally, the daytime blood sugar levels before meals must normally be between 80-130 mg/dL and after meals, they must not be higher than 180 mg/dL. The insulin therapy throughput lifetime is a must for anyone suffering from Type 1 diabetes. There are many types of insulin available including short-acting insulin, rapid-acting insulin, intermediate-acting insulin, and long or ultra-long-acting insulin. These can be taken through a pump, insulin pen, or via injections. Type 1 diabetes patients may even be prescribed other medications like aspirin, hypertension drugs, and cholesterol-lowering drugs. For insulin therapy, regular blood sugar level monitoring is needed. [1, 3]

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment Guidelines:

Along with the use of insulin and other medications, diabetic patients must manage diabetes through daily self-care. They must maintain consistent lifestyle strategies which include:

Proper Diet: It’s important to follow a diabetes meal plan which consists of more nutritious, high-fiber, and low-fat foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It’s better to have short meals to keep blood sugar levels from spiking and sipping meals is not advised.
Safe Exercises: Physical activity helps lower blood sugar levels, thus it’s important to do daily exercise for anyone having Type 1 diabetes. It’s best to go for moderate aerobic exercises for at least 150 minutes per week.

The management of type 1 diabetes by medications or lifestyle changes does require monitoring of blood sugar levels very often. [1, 4, 5]

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011
https://diabetes.org/diabetes/type-1/symptoms
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/what-is-type-1-diabetes.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/type-1-diabetes-causes-symtoms-treatments
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/type-1-diabetes

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10 Surprising Causes of Blood Sugar Fluctuations

Prity Kumari — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 12:27:00 +0000

All those people who have been living with type 2 diabetes for many years or have recently been diagnosed with this medical condition, must be aware of how blood sugar levels can fickle, and why it’s important to control fluctuating blood sugar levels. According to the National Institute of Health, by properly controlling the blood sugar levels, a diabetic person is at a lower risk of potential diabetic complications such as kidney damage, stroke, nerve damage, vision issues, and heart disease. [4]

It’s normal for anyone to experience small variations in their blood sugar levels at different times of the day and depending upon their diet, activities, and many other factors. Blood sugar fluctuations are hardly seen in non-diabetic people as the body regulates the sugar levels in the blood by insulin secretion and the body’s natural processes. However, if the blood sugar fluctuations are large enough, one can experience symptoms such as dry mouth, fatigue, confusion, blurred vision, and headaches. When the blood sugar levels go critically out of range, its negligence can have severe short and long-term side effects.

An individual would be able to figure out whether their sugar levels are going high or low only when it is tested and repeated throughout the day with or without an empty stomach. This is done by a finger prick test, where the finger is pricked and the released drop of blood is placed on the machine to be analyzed. This is referred to by medical specialists as capillary blood glucose. [2]

Blood sugars may zoom up all of a sudden and drip low if tried to adjust with insulin, physical activity, or proper diet. Most people feel confident in managing their diabetes, but in reality, even they don’t know what could affect their blood sugars in unexplained ways. To avoid getting ahead with pesky high and low blood sugars because of the corrections, it’s important to understand different unexpected triggers that can send one’s blood sugars on a roller coaster ride.

Causes of Blood Sugar Fluctuations

Here are 10 surprising factors that can make blood sugar levels fluctuate. Look out for them. [1,3]

1. Dehydration

Being dehydrated means the body is falling short of fluids. Dehydration can lead to hyperglycemia- the spike in blood sugar levels. To make it even worse, the concentrated sugars in the circulation can cause the person to urinate more, eventually resulting in extreme thirst. If it is long-term, it can even cause serious problems with the small blood vessels of the body. Thus, diabetic people should be especially watchful about drinking sufficient water or other calorie-free beverages all day long to keep their body well hydrated and blood sugars in check. [2,4]

2. Insufficient Sleep

It has been noticed that even if a person does not sleep for one night or has very little sleep, the body would start using less insulin which means there will be insulin resistance. This is because, our body releases insulin and regulates blood sugars naturally according to our circadian rhythms- the natural pattern of sleep and wakefulness. The correlation between sleep and elevated blood sugars goes both ways. Not only diabetics but even healthy people would show blood sugar fluctuations when they are sleep deprived. Late-night snacking on sugary foods to compensate for low energy levels of fatigue can be its reason. [1,2]

3. Too Much Caffeine

Some people are addicted to daily cups of coffee containing caffeine. Those who have blood sugars extra-sensitive to caffeine are likely to encounter high blood sugars after intake of coffee even without a sweetener. [3]

4. Artificial Sweeteners

As per a few research studies, it has been found that artificial sweeteners can increase blood sugar levels. However, still more research studies and evidence are needed to confirm this. A recent review article suggested that artificial sweeteners may contribute to compromised glucose homeostasis, so they may not be completely neutral in sugars. [3,4]

5. Some Medications

As medications can have side effects, some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can derange blood sugar levels. One best example of medications known to spike blood glucose levels includes steroids like prednisolone. Others that may cause the shooting up of blood sugars are certain antidepressants and antipsychotics, nasal decongestants, diuretics, and birth control pills. However, there are even the drugs like those given to diabetics that can reduce the blood sugar level lower than normal readings. [2,4]

6. Nasal Sprays

Some nose sprays have been tested and found to contain chemicals that trigger the liver to make more blood sugars. [1]

7. The Infamous ‘Dawn Phenomenon’

It is common for both diabetics and non-diabetics to have elevated blood sugar levels as soon as they wake up early in the morning because of the surges in their hormones. This usually is experienced when the body prepares to wake up by the release of certain hormones including cortisol, between 2 and 8 a.m. These hormones cause insulin resistance which makes the blood sugars rise. Alternatively, those who are taking too much insulin or diabetes medications at night or not eating proper dinner may start their day with low blood glucose levels. [4]

8. Skipping Breakfast

No one should skip the first-morning meal, as after starving for long hours the whole night and morning, certainly, the blood sugars can increase after having lunch and dinner. [3]

9. Gum Disease

It can be a blood sugar spiker as well as a complication of diabetes. [1]

10. Other Potential Causes

Time of the day- At a later time of the day, it could be difficult to control blood sugar levels.

Extreme weather- If it is bitterly cold or swelteringly hot, in either case, it would be hard to keep diabetes in control. Extreme heat like in hot baths, hot tubs, or sunburns can dilate the blood vessels which makes insulin absorption quicker and could result in low blood sugar levels.

Traveling- During traveling, diabetic people should be extra cautious. This is because there is a change in time zones which in turn disrupts medication schedule and sleeping habits, and causes unusual eating. There are chances of people smoking or having alcohol, and even becoming dehydrated. All of these could affect blood sugar levels. [1,4]

References:

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