When someone reveals his or her diabetes diagnosis, it is often assumed that he or she has type 2 diabetes, but it is possible that he or she has been diagnosed with type 1.
One of the many is Nick Jonas, who suffers from type 1 diabetes. During the Radio Disney Music Awards ceremony in April 2017, he said: “This is absolutely incredible.”
“These kids that are here all have type 1 diabetes, just like me… This is a disease that I was diagnosed with when I was 13. It was a time in my life where I was just getting ready to start making music with my brothers and touring, and it was something that I thought was going to slow me down before I even started,” he added at the time.
For anyone wondering what the difference is between type 2 and type 1 diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease in which cells become resistant to insulin and can no longer absorb sugar as an energy source.
Insulin is a hormone that is essential for glucose (sugar) to enter the cells and be used for energy. Without enough insulin, blood sugar levels rise dangerously high, which can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
Causes of type 1 diabetes:
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not yet fully known, but it is believed to result from a combination of:
- Autoimmune reaction that attacks the beta cells of the pancreas
- Genetic susceptibility
- Environmental triggers, such as viral infections
Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes is not caused by lifestyle factors or diet.
Symptoms of diabetes type 1:
Symptoms often develop quickly and may include:
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Increased hunger
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of wounds
Management of Type 1 Diabetes:
There is no cure for type 1 diabetes, but it can be managed effectively by:
- Daily insulin therapy (via injections or insulin pump)
- Regular blood glucose monitoring
- Balanced diet
- Routine physical activity
- Awareness about recognizing hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
Long-term management also includes regular medical follow-ups to prevent eye, kidney, nerve, and heart complications.
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires consistent medical care and self-management. With proper treatment, monitoring, and lifestyle modifications, people with type 1 diabetes can live healthy, active lives.
