Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes occurs when your immune system destroys cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. Type 1 Diabetes generally occurs in people under 40 years old and even in children. It is the less common type of diabetes, with between 5 and 10 percent of diabetics being of the Type 1 variety.

It is thought that Type 1 Diabetes is caused or triggered by a variety of circumstances including bad diet, obesity, viruses or chemicals in people who may be genetically predisposed to diabetes.

People with Type 1 Diabetes rely on insulin injections to survive in addition to a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Insulin is required to convert glucose into energy. People with Type 1 Diabetes are unable to do this as the body is not producing insulin.

There are complications which can be associated with this type of diabetes, these include hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and celiac disease amongst others.

It is however possible to live a long and healthy life even if you are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

You should continue to see your doctor regularly to ensure that you are maintaining your diabetes.

How do you maintain it?

Stick to medications and procedures that your doctor prescribes. This is vital!

Exercise regularly. Try to vary your exercise to include walking, swimming and even light weight training. This is very important as physical activity will maintain your weight.

Eat right. Eating plenty of vegetables is the number one factor. Watch your fruit intake as fruits can be high in sugar. Ask a nutritionist for the ideal amount of fruit you should be eating, as it differs between people.

It goes without saying that if you have Type 1 Diabetes, that you should not smoke and you should minimize contact with smokers so as to avoid passive smoking.

You will need to see an optometrist regularly, once every 6 months is ideal. The same goes for your dentist.

Alcohol intake should be minimized and anything which is normally considered detrimental to human health should be avoided. Some people with diabetes even choose to move away from the city to avoid pollution by seeking the clean air of country living. Whilst this may seem drastic, it could do wonders for your health.

Type 1 Diabetes should not take over your life. Whilst you will have to make many adjustments it is still very possible to live a long, happy and healthy life.