Unlike Type 2 diabetes, where lifestyle factors like poor diet and sedentary habits play a central role, the cause and risk factors for Type 1 diabetes are less clearly defined and understood.
For starters, family history and genetics play a key role in developing T1D, as having a parent or a sibling with T1D increases your risk. Moreover, because the exact triggers are unknown and the disease is autoimmune, there’s currently no proven way to prevent Type 1 diabetes.
However, like T2D, T1D can be managed with some habits and hacks:
Daily insulin therapy: In T1D, the body is unable to produce insulin; thus, patients are required to take insulin either through injection or using an insulin pump or pen to regulate blood sugar.
Regular monitoring of glucose levels: Consistent monitoring of blood sugar ensures the glucose levels remain within their safe limits and minimizes both very high levels (hyperglycemia) and very low levels (hypoglycemia) of blood sugar.
Healthy nutrition and balance of meals: Nutritional balance in every meal is good for the regulation of blood sugar, with proper fiber, healthy carbs, protein, and portion control.
Active lifestyle and physical activity: While T1D is not developed because of certain lifestyle choices-like in T2D-regular exercise always helps for better health. Working out helps the body use glucose more effectively and can improve insulin sensitivity, which helps in maintaining stable blood sugar.
Regular check-ups: With time, diabetes will begin to affect the organs such as the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart. So, it is of utmost importance to enroll for regular screening; it helps in detecting complications early and thus managing them effectively.