Common Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

• Weight loss despite eating normally
• Constant thirst and dry mouth
• Frequent urination, including at night
• Fatigue and low energy
• Blurred vision
• Increased hunger
• In children: bedwetting after being toilet trained
• Stunted growth
  
  

Treatment Options

• Insulin therapy (injections or insulin pump)
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) or smart glucose meters
• Healthy eating with balanced nutrition
• Regular exercise for better insulin sensitivity

Living with Type 1 Diabetes in Dubai

• Carry a glucose monitor and quick sugar snacks for emergencies
• Regular endocrinology check-ups
• Educate teachers/caregivers if your child has diabetes
• Use modern technology (pumps, CGMs) available in Dubai for better control

How Does Diet Affect Type 1 Diabetes?

For someone living with Type 1 Diabetes, food isn’t just nutrition, it’s also medicine. Since the body doesn’t produce insulin, people with Type 1 rely on insulin injections to process the carbohydrates they eat. That means every meal needs careful planning. Eating balanced meals that include slow-digesting carbs, fiber, protein, and healthy fats helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Foods high in refined sugar or processed carbs can cause sudden spikes, making blood glucose harder to manage. It’s not about restriction but awareness - understanding how different foods affect blood sugar can help prevent highs and lows and make daily life smoother.

Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes

Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes requires some extra prep, but it shouldn’t hold anyone back from exploring the world. The key is planning. Packing more insulin and supplies than needed, carrying a doctor’s note for airport security, and keeping all medications in hand luggage. Time zone changes might affect insulin schedules, and unfamiliar foods can impact glucose levels, so a portable glucose monitor, healthy snacks, and hydration are essential. Whether hiking mountains or strolling through a new city, staying aware and prepared makes traveling not only possible but enjoyable.

Ramadan and Type 1 Diabetes

Fasting during Ramadan presents unique challenges for people with Type 1 Diabetes. Since the body can’t regulate glucose on its own, skipping meals may lead to dangerous drops or spikes in blood sugar. While Islam provides exemptions for people with chronic conditions, some may still choose to fast. If so, it's critical to do so under a doctor’s supervision.

Adjustments in insulin, meal planning for Suhoor and Iftar, and frequent glucose monitoring are a must. With careful preparation and medical guidance, it’s possible to observe the holy month safely and meaningfully.

Other Illnesses and Type 1 Diabetes

When someone with Type 1 Diabetes gets sick, even with something as common as the flu. Their blood sugar levels can swing unpredictably. That’s because the body releases stress hormones during illness, which can raise glucose levels and sometimes lead to serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). At the same time, nausea or lack of appetite can make it hard to eat or keep food down, making insulin dosing tricky.

That’s why "sick day rules" are crucial: check blood sugar more frequently, stay hydrated, and never stop taking insulin without medical advice. Having a plan helps prevent a minor illness from becoming a major emergency.

FAQs About Type 1 Diabetes

Q: Can type 1 diabetes be cured?
No, currently there is no cure, but insulin therapy and technology make it highly manageable.

Q: At what age does type 1 diabetes usually appear?
It often appears in children and young adults, but it can develop at any age.

Q: Why Do People Get Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition, which means the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

We still don’t fully understand why this happens, but it seems to be caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. It’s not caused by eating sugar, being overweight, or anything someone did wrong.

Q: Is type 1 diabetes genetic?
It has a genetic component, but not everyone with a family history will develop it. Environmental factors also play a role.

Q: Can type 1 diabetes patients fast during Ramadan?
It depends on individual health, insulin needs, and doctor’s advice. Always consult an endocrinologist before fasting.

Q: What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 is autoimmune and requires insulin from the start. Type 2 is mostly lifestyle-related and may be managed with diet, exercise, tablets, or insulin.

Q: How Does Type 1 Diabetes Affect My Family Members or Siblings?

If you have Type 1 Diabetes, your siblings or children may have a slightly higher risk of developing it too, but it’s still a relatively small chance.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• If a sibling has Type 1 Diabetes, the other siblings have about a 5–8% risk.
• If a parent has Type 1, the child has about a 3–6% risk (higher if the father has it).
• Having certain genes, like HLA-DR3 or DR4, can also increase the risk, but not everyone with those genes will get diabetes.

Q: Do I Have Insulin Resistance if I Have Type 1 Diabetes?

Not always - but it's possible. 

Type 1 Diabetes happens when your immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, which is caused by insulin resistance, Type 1 is primarily about insulin deficiency, not resistance.

However, some people with Type 1 can also develop insulin resistance, especially if they become overweight or obese, live a sedentary lifestyle, or have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes. This combination is sometimes called "Double Diabetes" — where the person needs insulin because of Type 1, but also develops resistance like someone with Type 2.