Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system destroys cells that make insulin in the pancreas. The condition is called juvenile diabetes because it is commonly diagnosed in children and young people. In this guide, we’ll be looking at the possible causes of Type 1 diabetes. But first, let’s discuss the symptoms of this condition.
What are the common symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes?
People with type 1 diabetes will likely feel some symptoms but might not relate them to diabetes. If you notice the following signs, don’t wait for the right time to see your doctor.
1. Frequent Urination
It’s normal to feel like using the bathroom after drinking water. But what’s not normal is visiting the restroom more than necessary. That’s a common symptom of T1D.
2. Extreme thirst
After eating spicy food or performing a difficult task, you’ll feel thirsty. But feeling thirsty continuously even when you’ve drunk bottles of water can be a sign of diabetes. The body lost fluids through urination and needs to regain the fluid. That’s why you feel the urge to drink water constantly.
4. Dry mouth
Loss of body fluid often results in dry mouth, especially if you’ve not quenched your thirst.
5. Blurry vision
Although several factors cause blurry vision, diabetes is the most common one. Once you notice your vision is not clear, see your doctor immediately to prevent diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in your retina, causing swelling in the macula, and worse, bleeding in the eye.
7. Heavy breathing
If you notice unusual changes in your breathing, seek professional help. Diabetes also causes heavy breathing.
8. Bed wetting in children
This can be attributed to frequent urination in diabetic patients. Since most children can’t control their bladder while sleeping, bedwetting will likely become inevitable.
9. Frequent infections
High levels of blood sugar create the perfect environment for infections to occur and reoccur. If you notice skin infections, urinary tract infections, or vagina infections in your children, take them to the hospital as soon as possible.
10. Unexplained weight loss
People with type 1 diabetes tend to consume more food to gain energy. Instead of gaining weight, if you notice weight loss, that’s likely diabetes. Although some people gain weight.
12. Fatigue
Usually, you’ll feel tired after a long day at work or school. But if you experience fatigue without performing any strenuous activities, and it is occurring repeatedly, that’s a sign of diabetes.
Other uncommon symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include;
1. Belly pain
2. Shaking
3. Unconsciousness
4. Fruity smell in breath
5. Fast breathing
What are the Causes of Type 1 Diabetes?
Presently, there is no known cause of diabetes. Maybe there will be results in the nearest future. But it has been discovered that there are factors and triggers associated with type 1 diabetes. Some of the factors and triggers are listed below.
1. Viral Infections
Research has shown that there is a correlation between viruses and the onset of diabetes. This implies that developing a viral vaccine can be an effective way to prevent type 1 diabetes.
2. Hereditary Factors as the
Although it is not everyone with this condition has a family member who has had it. However, there is often a family history of Type 1 diabetes in people with this condition.
One thing you must take note of is that family history makes people susceptible to having this condition.
3. Environmental factors as one of the causes of Type 1 diabetes
Certain things in the environment can cause diabetes. It might be certain infections or other unseen factors that will be discovered later by scientists. Exposure to these things in the environment after birth might correlate with the development of type 1 diabetes.
4. Genetics
Genes play a major role in the development of diabetes, just like it is a factor in other diseases. For instance, if one or more people in your family have had diabetes, you are likely to have it too.
5. Age
The majority of people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are children and teenagers. Although adults can have it too only a few of them are susceptible to the disease. Sometimes, hormonal changes that occur during the growth process can be a factor in the development of diabetes.
6. Ethnicity
Anyone can have this condition but some people are prone to have it than others. But you need to understand that the incidence increases in populations North of the equator.
What are the complications of Type 1 Diabetes?
If T1D is not properly controlled, it can lead to other problems in the body. Some of the complications include;
1. Skin Infections
People with diabetes are prone to bacterial or fungi infections. It can also cause blisters and rashes which should be taken care of to prevent long-term bruises.
2. Pregnancy-related problems
Pregnant women with type 1 diabetes have a high chance of delivering their children early, have stillbirths, or disabled children. That’s why you need to see your doctor regularly if you are pregnant and have diabetes.
3. Mouth problems
Poor blood flow or too much plague in the mouth can cause problems.
4. Nerve Damage
Lack of proper blood flow to some parts of the body can make you lose sensation in the hands, legs, and others. If you’ve been experiencing this condition for a long time and have not taken serious steps, it’s important to do so.
Without adequate blood flow, some nerves can be damaged and arteries can get hardened which will eventually lead to loss of sensation. This will make you susceptible to injuries and wounds that might take a longer time to heal, or not heal at all. Also, nerve damage can cause digestive problems like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
5. Retinopathy
This is an eye problem that happens to a lot of diabetic patients, especially if they’ve had it for a long time. Fortunately, it’s uncommon for children to have it. Keep your blood sugar in perfect control to prevent these complications.
6. Cardiovascular disease
Type 1 diabetes can result in the risk of blood clots, cholesterol, and high blood pressure. These can also lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and chest pain if action is not taken quickly.
Although the main causes of type 1 diabetes are not known yet, you can manage the condition. Eat well, get a lot of rest, exercise, and most importantly, follow your doctor’s instructions.
To keep a fit lifestyle you need to keep a control on your sugar levels, weight, and other parameters mentioned in this article.