What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that happens when cells in the Pancreas stops producing insulin. An autoimmune disease is a disease that occurs when the body attacks itself. In Type 1 Diabetes, the body’s immune system labeled the Beta Cells as a virus and killed them. Beta Cells are located in the Pancreas and produce insulin.People living with Type 1 Diabetes cannot produce insulin.
What is insulin?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the Pancreas. Insulin controls blood glucose levels in the body as well as tells the body what to do with glucose (energy). Without insulin, your body wouldn’t know how to use your energy which means you would be extremely tired all the time, as well as not be able to eat properly because your body wouldn’t know where to store the glucose.
Diabetes is treated with insulin taken either through injections or an insulin pump! Thanks to insulin, people with Diabetes can eat whatever they want!
What is a normal blood glucose range?
A good range of people living with Type 1 Diabetes is 80 – 120 mg/dl. However, everyone has their own comfort zone with blood sugars that work best for them, their bodies, and their lifestyles.
A person without Diabetes will have a lower blood glucose range: ~ 60 – 90mg/dl.
Diagnosis for pre-diabetes is any blood glucose level over ~ 125mg/dl.
How can you get Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is a genetic condition which means that it is not contagious, nor is it developed due to lifestyle. Scientists still aren’t 100% sure what causes Type 1 Diabetes, but there are some people who have a predisposition to diabetes due to genetics or family history.
What are the symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes?
Extreme thirst and urination
Weight loss
Fatigue
Hunger
Blurred vision
Nausea
Headache
Increased heart ratehttps://gph.is/1U9ACCo
And finally… the most fun fact of all…
Nick Jonas has Type 1 Diabetes!!!
Yes, you can still lead a normal life (or even become a celebrity) living with Type 1 Diabetes!