4 Misconceptions and 9 Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes

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4 Misconceptions and 9 Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes

Do you know any children that have been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes? How about adults?

In this report, discover the four misconceptions surrounding Type 1 Diabetes.  There are nine common treatments for Type 1 Diabetes. Four are Traditional Conventional Treatments and five alternative lifestyle changes beneficial in treating Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Defined

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system mistakes the healthy beta cells in the pancreas as foreign invaders and attacks them. As a result, the pancreas becomes incapable of producing insulin, which is a hormone that helps cells turn glucose into energy.

Without insulin, excessive amounts of glucose will accumulate in the bloodstream and eventually cause a barrage of life-threatening complications. Because of the impaired insulin production, people with Type 1 Diabetes rely on insulin pumps or injections to manage their blood sugar levels.

This form of diabetes usually affects younger people, although it may occur at any age. Currently, genetics is considered the major risk factor behind this disease. Researchers believe that individuals who inherited the genetic predisposition for Type 1 Diabetes may develop it through certain triggers.

Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes Is Increasing!

Type 1 Diabetes is relatively uncommon, compared with Type 2 Diabetes and accounts for only 5 to 10 percent of diabetes  conditions worldwide. However, the number of people who are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes continues to rise every year.

5 Million Expected to have Type 1 Diabetes!

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes increased by 21 percent between 2001 and 2009. The American Diabetes Association also reported that there are about 1.25 million Americans with this form of diabetes in 2015.

There are 40,000 new cases of Type 1 Diabetes being diagnosed every year. By 2050, it’s expected that 5 million people in the U.S. will be suffering from this disease.

Considering the growing cases of Type 1 diabetes, it’s not surprising that annual health care costs amount to $14 billion in the United States. This increase has also led to a great deal of misinformation and conflicting information. Unfortunately, information on the internet as well as by word of mouth is not always correct.

4 Common Misconceptions Regarding Type 1 Diabetes

Some of the most common misconceptions regarding Type 1 Diabetes that we should be aware of are the following.

  1. Type 1 Diabetes can be cured with insulin shots. No!  

While insulin injections may help our body prevent high blood sugar levels and prolong our lives, they do not necessarily cure or prevent Type 1 Diabetes itself. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this autoimmune disorder.

  1. Adults do not get Type 1 Diabetes. No!

Although Type 1 Diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and adolescents, it may still affect adults, especially those who are above 30 years old.

  1. Type 1 Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar. No!

Consuming high amounts of sugar does not cause Type 1 Diabetes. The exact cause behind this autoimmune disorder is still unknown. Studies suggest that genetic and environmental factors may play a role in its development.

  1. Children with Type 1 Diabetes will grow out of it. No! 

Type 1 Diabetes is a lifelong and incurable disease. Children who are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes unfortunately, do not grow out of it. However, there are many ways to manage it.

Root Causes of Type 1 Diabetes

Contrary to Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 is not rooted in insulin and leptin dysfunction caused by excessive sugar and carbohydrate consumption. However, over the past several years, research has given us important clues about its predisposing conditions. Two important ones that you have more or less complete control over are:

  1. Vitamin Deficiency

Research suggests that sun avoidance may play a major role in the development of insulin dependent diabetes. The further we move away from the equator the greater our risk of being born with, or developing Type 1 Diabetes.

A major key to preventing Type 1 Diabetes in children is to ensure that pregnant mothers have optimal vitamin D stores. There is also strong evidence that this can decrease our child’s risk of autism. Once a child is born, ensuring he or she gets optimal sun exposure could virtually eliminate the risk for Type 1 Diabetes.

In climates where it is challenging to get optimal sun exposure, a wise use of a high quality oral vitamin D supplementation can help.

  1. Abnormal Gut Flora

An excessive focus on a germ-free environment is another potential contributing factor that impairs immune function.

In 2008, animal research suggested that beneficial bacteria could protect against the development of Type 1 Diabetes.

Many parents religiously use antibacterial soaps and keep their children away from the natural dirt, germs, viruses and other grime of childhood. There is a good deal of evidence that a contributor to the rising rates of Type 1 Diabetes is raising our children in too sterile an environment.

Antibiotics, which kill all of the good and bad bacteria in the gut, are also overused in childhood. Instead of antibacterial soap, use a natural made soap for washing. Avoid antibiotics unless absolutely necessary, and give children naturally fermented foods such as yogurt, pickles and sauerkraut.

If a child has already been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, be aware that there is no permanent cure for this disease. However, this doesn’t mean that they are fated to suffer from the complications of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. There are actually several ways to control glucose levels and lead a normal life.

4 Conventional Treatment Methods for Type 1 Diabetes

The treatment methods for Type 1 Diabetes are primarily focused on maintaining the blood glucose levels within the normal range and preventing the long- and short-term complications of this disease. Make sure that you consult your physician to determine the best treatment approach for your child’s needs.

After being formally diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, your doctor may recommend the child undergo regular insulin administration. The stomach enzymes break down insulin, so it must be taken through an injection or a pump.

Insulin injections usually make use of different insulin types, and are administered three times a day or more. Insulin pumps are wearable devices that dispense a specific amount of insulin through a catheter.1

Aside from insulin administration, your doctor may also prescribe other medications to prevent the complications of Type 1 Diabetes. Some of these medications include the following.

  1. Anti-hypertensive medicines, used for regulating blood pressure levels.
  2. Statins, used for reducing high cholesterol levels.
  3. Aspirin, taken in low doses to prevent stroke.
  4. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, prescribed to prevent kidney diseases.

Keep in mind, that these conventional treatment options may put the child’s health at risk. For instance, statins are known to cause muscle pain and damage, liver problems and neurological disorders.Aspirin, on the other hand, may cause elevated iron levels, which is linked to heart disease and cancer.

The inherent risks of these conventional treatment methods may do more harm than good. If you’re looking for a safe way to control glucose levels and prevent diabetes-related complications, consider following a natural treatment approach.

5 Alternative Lifestyle Changes To Help Treat Type 1 Diabetes