Bittersweet Diabetes(T1)!
General overview
Do you know someone who gets thirsty often, is tired and sluggish despite getting 10hrs of rest, or maybe has cuts that take forever to heal? Well, there is a chance that the person may have diabetes. Now, there is an endless amount of diagnosis for those possible symptoms, so no need to jump to conclusions; however, the symptoms listed are key effects of diabetes, specifically pertaining to type 1. There are numerous types of diabetes ranging from type I diabetes all the way to gestational, but here we shall focus on type one. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the pancreas. It prevents the pancreas from creating insulin, a hormone that regulates sugar in the blood, causing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Not only does it spike one's blood sugar, but it also prevents the cells from producing energy causing the tired and lethargic feeling. Insulin is a hormone designed to attach itself to sugar molecules in the blood. Sugar can not enter the cell without being bonded to insulin. Sugar is crucial for respiration and synthesization of ATP(energy), meaning that without insulin, cells are unable to absorb the sugar molecules needed to produce energy. Type 1 Diabetes is genetic and is common in children, however in certain cases, effects may only end up showing during adulthood.
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is generally not fatal; however, it makes everyday life more challenging and without proper care, it can truly hurt different systems in the body, possibly shortening life expectancy. It is very common for one to be oblivious to the fact that they have diabetes for it may only start to flare up during adulthood. Factors like viruses or even chronic stress may trigger your immune system’s attack if you have a genetic predisposition for type 1 Diabetes. Some symptoms to look out for are:
- Constant feeling of dehydration
- Urinating more frequently
- Constant hunger
- Unintentional weight loss
- Mood swings
- Always tired despite a good nights rest
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of cuts and sores
Possible Complications
Type 1 diabetes is an extremely harmful disease when not properly taken care of. The act of sugar build up in the blood stream may have detrimental effects on different systems or organs such as the heart. Without proper medication and care, new diseases may be formed as well as cause much damage within the body, some of which being…
- Heart and blood vessel disease -- the constant build up of sugar in the blood stream damages the arterial lining, leading to inflammation. The inflammation promotes fatty plaques to build up and prevents healthy blood flow.
- Nerve Damage – the excessive sugar within the blood may affect the capillaries that feed the nerves. Nerve cells are unable to receive the blood(oxygen) they need
- Eye damage – the tiny blood cells in the retina are often damaged and weakened due to high blood sugar. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, a condition where pressure builds up inside the eye.
How to Treat Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
Diabetes can not necessarily be cured but along with the extensive research on T1D and technological developments, there are many tools to mitigate the effects of diabetes and help regulate blood glucose. Treatments for T1D all have one thing in common: insulin which is the hormone the body of someone with diabetes lacks. Those with T1D can track their glucose levels through apps on their phone to check whether they need to take in more insulin or not. Insulin can be taken in various ways such as…
- Injection – Insulin is often injected into the fatty tissue underneath the skin through a needle and syringe or fine tip pen filled with insulin. The recommended areas to inject are the abdomen, upper arm, thigh, and butt.
- Insulin pump – An insulin pump is a device worn on the abdomen that is connected to a catheter that's inserted under the skin of your abdomen, and pumps insulin into the blood regularly throughout the day.
There are also different levels of insulin itself:
- Short-acting insulin – Sometimes called regular insulin, this type starts working around 30 minutes after injection. It reaches peak effect at 90 to 120 minutes and lasts about 4 to 6 hours.
- Rapid-acting insulin – This type of insulin starts working within 15 minutes. It reaches peak effect at 60 minutes and lasts about 4 hours. This type is often used 15 to 20 minutes before meals.
- Intermediate-acting insulin – Also called NPH insulin, this type of insulin starts working in about 1 to 3 hours. It reaches peak effect at 6 to 8 hours and lasts 12 to 24 hours.
- Long- and ultra-long-acting insulin – This type of insulin may provide coverage for as long as 14 to 40 hours.
Holistic Approach
No holistic approach will ever fully cure type 1 diabetes, but of course there are ways to alleviate oneself from the effects through changes in one's lifestyle. One of the simplest shifts in everyday life such as diet and meals can be extremely beneficial in aiding with symptoms. Having a balanced diet and limiting processed foods, especially sugars, can help minimize blood sugar spikes. Supporting this with frequent exercise will present healthful effects with mitigating blood glucose. Exercise enhances the body's ability to use insulin effectively and helps muscles use glucose for energy. Doing low impact activities after meals can be particularly effective in lowering blood sugar. Importantly, looking into a holistic approach should be considered helpful and coincide with your current health state or medication. Holistic medicine should not replace prescribed medication, and if you are interested in finding a holistic approach, consulting with a doctor first would be the best choice.