Type 1 diabetes which used to be called juvenile diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs as a result of an autoimmune reaction. This reaction damages the cells located in the pancreas and results in the production of little or no insulin. Insulin is a vital hormone that the body uses to enable glucose to enter the cells to yield energy.
What is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes may have similar effects and symptoms. However, there are still significant differences between them. They are:
Type 1 diabetes often arises as a result of the attack on the islet cells by the body's immune system. This attack disables the pancreas from producing insulin. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces less amount of insulin than it used to. Hence the body becomes insulin resistant.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that could be triggered by medications, vaccinations, genes, viruses, chemicals, and even foods. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand is a common disease that is often inherited.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
• Extreme thirst
• Increased hunger (especially after eating)
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Frequent infections of your skin
• Bedwetting
What are Some Common Causes of Type 1 Diabetes?
While the exact cause of type 1 diabetes remains unknown, the most common causes of type 1 diabetes are:
a) Genetics
b) Exposure to viruses
c) Exposure to certain hazardous chemicals to include vaccines
What are the Risk Factors for Type 1 Diabetes?
1) Family History: When a family member, parent, or sibling is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, other members of the family have a higher risk of developing the condition.
2) Genetics: The genes play a significant role in the occurrence of certain diseases. Having a particular gene or set of genes may increase the risk of experiencing type 1 diabetes.
3) Age: Type 1 diabetes can appear at any age. The first peak appears in children between the age of 4-7 years old, while the second is in children between 10-14 years old.
4) Medications: Some medications such as Thiazide diuretics, Corticosteroids, B-blockers, vaccines and Antipsychotics raise the glucose level in the blood resulting in drug-induced diabetes.
What are Some Complications of Type 1?
Type 1 diabetes can cause complications over time, thereby affecting major organs in the body. These organs include the skin, heart, nerves, etc and these complications could pose a huge threat to life.
Cardiovascular: Type 1 diabetes increases the risk of some heart and blood vessel damage. These include coronary artery disease, stroke, and high blood pressure among others.
Nerve Damage: The presence of too much sugar in the blood may result in injuries along the walls of the capillaries which feed the nerve cells.
Kidney Damage: The kidney consists of over a million blood vessels that restrict the entrance of waste into the blood and filter it out. But diabetes can damage this organ system which could lead to kidney failure or irreversible kidney disease.
Skin Damage: Diabetes reduces the skin's resistance to infection thereby making it prone to bacterial and fungal diseases.
Retinopathy: Diabetes may damage the blood vessels in the retina and result in diabetic retinopathy. This increases the risk of blindness, glaucoma, and cataracts.
Can Type 1 Be Prevented?
Presently, there is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. However, researchers are continuously working on ways to prevent the disease and damage to the islet cells.
How is Type 1 Diagnosed?
Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed using:
Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test
Random blood sugar test
Fasting blood sugar test
Self-Care Tips:
It is thought that many autoimmune diseases, like type 1 diabetes, start in the gut in a process called leaky gut syndrome (LGS). Some theorize that in leaky gut syndrome, the gut wall barrier gets worn down, allowing bacteria and other toxins to pass into the bloodstream. Lectins are part of a plant’s natural defense system that dramatically increases inflammation. This inflammation is associated with LGS. Clinical reports have suggested that LGS contributes to several autoimmune diseases. Keep in mind that about 25 % of patients with an autoimmune disease have a tendency to develop an additional autoimmune disorders. In other words, having 1 autoimmune disorder increases the likely hood of having another. That being said, these foods are high in lectins and hence should be reduce or avoided.
Highest amount of lectins can be found in:
Legumes: peanuts and cashews
Nightshade products: (tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes)
Grains: rice, oats, barley, wheat, quinoa etc.
Peppers: bell and chili
Seeds: pumpkin, sunflower, chia
Squash: butternut, acorn, zucchini, pumpkin
Beans and peas
Dairy products from North American cows.
Other: Corn, soy products, lentils, edamame
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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