Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which your body doesn’t make enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Also known as juvenile diabetes, it is quite common among children.
Some common symptoms of type 1 diabetes are high thirst levels, frequent urination, excessive hunger, weight loss, mood swings, blurry vision, etc.
Although the cause of type 1 diabetes is still not fully understood, there are several factors that increase the risk of developing the disease.
Genetics and infectious exposures have been associated with the development of type 1 diabetes in children. It is important to know about these factors to avoid complications.
In this article, we are going to discuss some risk factors for type 1 diabetes.
What Is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin on their own.
When you have Type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to keep the blood sugar level within normal limits. Without insulin, your body doesn’t convert glucose into energy. This can lead to poor glycemic control. A person with Type 1 Diabetes should get insulin therapy on a daily basis.
People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections to treat the disease. They also need to consult a healthcare provider if they start experiencing any of the symptoms of the disease. Children with this disease must be monitored for symptoms of diabetes, which include excessive thirst, constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue.
The best way to manage your type 1 diabetes is to discuss your goals with your doctor and make changes accordingly. Getting exercise is a great way to manage the condition and can help you reduce your risk of complications.
Type 1 Diabetes Risk Factors
There are many risk factors for developing Type 1 Diabetes. Here is a look at some of the most common risk factors.
Family History
Researchers have examined the role of family history as a risk factor for type 1 diabetics. Researchers studied the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. The results indicate that there is a strong association between diabetes and family history. A family history of diabetes may increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes. If your mother, father, sister, or brother has type 1 diabetes, you are at a greater risk of developing the same. There is no known cure for type 1 diabetes, but diabetes medications and dietary changes can help manage it.
Age
The age of onset of type 1 diabetes is a known risk factor. Type 1 diabetes is more likely to develop in children, teens, and young adults than in older people. However, it can occur in people of any age. However, it is rare to develop the disease later in life.
Ethnicity
Ethnicity is another risk factor for type 1 diabetes. In the United States, white people have a higher chance of developing type 1 diabetes. The risk is lower in Hispanic, Latino, and African American people. Researchers are studying the role of geographic location and specific genes in determining the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
What Is the Leading Cause of Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that attacks the pancreas and prevents it from producing insulin. The body uses glucose as its primary source of energy and needs insulin to regulate the amount of blood sugar.
Certain genes may increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. However, not all people with these genes will develop the condition. Researchers aren’t sure exactly what triggers type 1 diabetes, but they suspect a virus is responsible.
Is Type 1 Diabetes Hereditary?
Type 1 diabetes can be hereditary, but most people with the condition have no immediate family members with the condition. However, having a parent, brother, or sister with Type I diabetes, increases a person’s risk of developing the disease.
You can diagnose Type 1 diabetes in childhood or early adulthood before the age of 30. However, it can happen at any age. There are many factors that can increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. These include certain viruses and pregnancy-related factors. However, most of the time, type 1 diabetes is genetic in origin.
How to Diagnose Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, autoimmune disease caused by an inability of the pancreas to make the hormone insulin. This hormone is necessary to regulate blood glucose levels. It is produced by special cells called beta cells in the pancreas.
Children with type 1 diabetes have a faulty immune system that responds by attacking these cells. This attack causes over 90% of the beta cells to die, leaving the body unable to produce enough insulin.
One can typically diagnose Type 1 diabetes through a blood test. A random blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes. Another test one can use to diagnose diabetes is A1C. If the result is 6.5% or more, it indicates diabetes. A fasting blood sugar test is also required to diagnose type 1 diabetes. If the result is 126 mg/dL, you are diabetic.
