🧬Type 1 diabetes

❓General Information

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas- the cells responsible for producing insulin. Because of this, the body either produces very little or no insulin. Without insulin, glucose (sugar) cannot enter cells to be used for energy, causing  blood sugar levels to rise.
Type 1 diabetes is not caused by lifestyle or diet. It primarily results from :
• Autoimmune attack on insulin-producing cells
• Genetic predisposition
• Environmental triggers, possibly viral infections

It usually appears in childhood or adolescence, but adults can develop it too.

⚠️Symptoms

The symptoms often develop rapidly (within days or weeks) and are :

• Increased thirst and urination
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Fruity-smelling breath (in severe cases)

🩺Diagnosis

The diagnosis could be done by common tests such as
Fasting blood glucose
• HbA1c, this is a blood test that shows the average blood sugar over the last 3 months. It’s like a long-term report card for glucose control

• Random glucose test, a quick blood sugar done any time of the day, without fasting. It helps spot unusually high levels on the spot

• Autoantibody tests (to confirm autoimmune origin), these tests look for immune system markers that show whether your body is mistakenly attacking its own insulin-producing cells. They help confirm Type 1 diabetes or an autoimmune process.

• C-peptide test (shows how much insulin the body makes), a test that measures how much insulin your body is still making. Higher levels mean your pancreas is still producing insulin; low levels mean it’s producing very little
It is called c-peptide from the word connecting peptide, so when your body makes insulin it first creates a larger molecule called proinsulin that is made of three parts, 
• A chain
• B chain
• Connecting peptide (c-peptide)
To turn proinsulin into active insulin, the body cuts off the middle connecting piece, c-peptide and insulin is released into the blood together with c-peptide in equal amounts

💉Treatment

Because the pancreas does not produce insulin, lifelong insulin, therapy is necessary and there are the following options :
• Multiple daily insulin injections
• Insulin pumps
• Smart insulin pens
• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems

Treatment also includes
• Carbohydrate counting
• Regular blood glucose monitoring
• Balanced diet and exercise
• Education on recognizing low and high blood sugar levels

🩹Complications

If this disease isn’t managed there is the possibility for these complications to be developed
• Heart and blood vessels, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time, making the heart work harder. This increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure
• Kidneys, the kidneys act like filters. When blood sugar stays too high for too long, these filters get “overworked” and start leaking proteins. Over time, this can lead to kidney disease.
• Eyes (retinopathy), tiny blood vessels in the eyes can become weak or damaged, affecting vision. If not monitored, it can lead to blurred vision or in severe cases, vision loss
• Nerves (neuropathy), high glucose can harm nerves, especially in the hands and feet. This may cause numbness, tingling, burning or pain
• Feet (poor circulation), Because nerves and blood vessels are affected, feet may heal more slowly and feel less. Small cuts can become bigger problems if not noticed early.

🥗 Diet recommendation for Type 1 Diabetes

1. Build meals around slow-release carbohydrates
Choose foods that raise blood sugar gently :
• Whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice, whole-grain pasta)
• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans)
• Starchy vegetables in moderate portions (sweet potato, pumpkin)
2. Prioritize lean, natural protein
Proteins help control blood sugar and keep you full  such as :
• Fish, chicken, turkey
• Eggs
• Tofu, tempeh, beans
• Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese
Make protein the anchor of your plate and let the rest of the meal form around it
3. Embrace non-starchy vegetables
These are your most blood-sugar-friendly foods :
Leafy greens
Broccoli, cauliflower
Peppers, zucchini, asparagus
Tomatoes, cucumbers
Use colorful vegetables to add volume, flavor and nutrients without causing glucose spikes
4. Choose healthy fats
Thy help stabilize blood glucose after meals
• Avocado
• Olive Oil
• Nuts and seeds
• Nut butters
Add a spoonful of healthy fat to turn simple meals into richer, for more satisfying dishes
5. Be mindful with fruits
Fruits  allowed, but better in moderate portions.
• Berries (best option, low glycemic load)
• Apple, pears
• Citrus fruits
Avoid juices – they raise glucose quickly
Pair fruits with protein – like an apple with almonds – to soften its impact on blood sugar.

🧘 Enjoy mindful eating
Nothing is forbidden, but portion control and timing matter 
• Have desserts after a balanced meal, not on an empty stomach
• Choose dark chocolate ever sugary candy
• Use sweeteners like stevia if needed
Treats fit into your life when they follow real food – not replace it