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Complications of Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune complication in which the immune system of the body attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells. Insulin is essential to managing blood glucose levels. If unmanaged, type 1 diabetes leads to elevated levels of blood glucose, resulting in various chronic and acute complications. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent these serious health issues. Acute Complications of Type 1 diabetes Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose)- Causes: Alcohol consumption, missed meals, increased physical activity, and excessive insulin.
- Symptoms: Confusion, sweating, dizziness, shakiness, irritability, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures.
- Management: Immediate intake of fast-acting carbohydrates such as juice and glucose tablets is followed by longer-acting carbohydrates.
- Causes: Severe insulin deficiency is often triggered by infection, missed insulin doses, or other stresses.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, dehydration, confusion, and fruity-smelling breath.
- Management: Emergency medical treatment with intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement, and insulin.
- Risks: Heart attacks, increased risk of atherosclerosis, and strokes are due to chronic high blood sugar levels damaging blood vessels.
- Prevention: Regular exercise, blood pressure management, a healthy diet, good blood glucose control, and lipid control.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to the nerves in the extremities, leading to tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness, especially in the feet.
- Autonomic Neuropathy: It affects the autonomic nervous system, causing complications such as bladder problems, sexual dysfunctions, and gastroparesis.
- Signs: Decreased kidney functions and protein in the urine.
- Progression: Lead to end-stage renal disease requiring kidney transplantation or dialysis.
- Prevention: Medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs, good glucose, and blood pressure control.
- Types: Proliferative and non-proliferative.
- Symptoms: Floaters, blurred visions, vision changes, and, in severe cases, vision loss.
- Preventions: Good blood glucose control, cholesterol and blood pressure management, and regular eye exams.
- Causes: Nerve damage and poor circulation can lead to infections, foot ulcers, and, in severe cases, amputations.
- Preventions: Appropriate footwear, regular foot care, and prompt treatment of any injuries or infections.
- Skin Conditions: Increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections, diabetic dermopathy, and other skin issues.
- Gum Diseases: There is a higher risk of periodontitis and other oral health problems.
- Bone and Joint Disorders: Higher risk of osteoporosis and certain conditions, such as Charcot’s joint.