Dr. Alok Purohit (PhD), Health Coach, Diabetes & Obesity educator

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to a deficiency in insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and without it, blood sugar levels can become dangerously high, leading to serious health complications.

Causes:

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the risk factors associated with type 1 diabetes include:

1. Family history: Individuals with a family history of type 1 diabetes are more likely to develop the disease.
2. Genetics: Certain genes are associated with an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Expression though, depends on epigenetics and the triggers responsible for it, which, if controlled, can prevent expression of dormant genes.
3. Autoimmune disorders: Individuals with other autoimmune disorders, such as celiac disease or autoimmune thyroid disease, have a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
4. Environmental factors: Some environmental factors, such as exposure to certain viruses or toxins, may trigger the autoimmune response that leads to type 1 diabetes. They could be packaged foods with unknown contents, animal proteins (mostly) like meats and dairy. In fact most type 1 cases in childhood relate to dairy as a major cause in absence of other triggers in adults.

Management:

There is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes, but the disease can be managed through a combination of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. The goals of management are to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent complications associated with high blood sugar levels.

1. Insulin therapy: Insulin therapy is the cornerstone of type 1 diabetes management. Insulin can be administered through injections or an insulin pump.
2. Blood sugar monitoring: Regular blood sugar monitoring is necessary to ensure that blood sugar levels are within the target range.
3. Diet: A healthy diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates and high in protein and fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels.
4. Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels.
5. Education: Education about the disease and how to manage it is essential for individuals with type 1 diabetes and their families. It is a must to educate a patient about insulin dosage, administration, hypoglycemia, emergency management actions during likely keto acidosis, gastroparesis kind of events which can sometimes be life threatening and bothering at times..

Visit https://www.alokpurohit.com/  and/or write to us on alokpurohit.com@gmail.com for once in a lifetime, personalized health coaching and diabetes management program which can help you learn more about your conditions, reduce stress and anxiety through non medicinal, preventive/corrective lifestyle interventions.

References:

1. American Diabetes Association. (2021). Type 1 diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/type-1
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Type 1 diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/type-1-diabetes
3. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Type 1 diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353017