This special issue takes a closer look at type 1 diabetes
What is type 1 diabetes?
When we eat food, the digestion process releases energy-packed sugars into the blood, leading to a rise in so-called blood sugar levels. For our organs to access this energy, we need to move these sugars from the blood and into cells, for example into muscle cells which allow us to exercise. This movement of sugar is dependent on a hormone called insulin, which is released when we eat food and helps to maintain low blood sugar levels.
Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the body produces less than the required amount of insulin, meaning that some organs might struggle to access the energy in sugars. People with type 1 diabetes might often feel tired and can have dangerously high blood sugar levels. Untreated type 1 diabetes can lead to heart disease and kidney disease.
Why does it happen?
Type 1 diabetes is due to a type of immune response, where the body recognises its own cells as “foreign” and attacks and destroys them, much like it would do to a virus. The cells targeted in this way are found in the pancreas and are responsible for producing insulin. The onset of type 1 diabetes is typically in prepubescent children, but can also happen later in life too.
How can I prevent it?
You can’t. If it’s gonna get you, it’s gonna get you. If one or both of your parents have type 1 diabetes, then your chance of developing it is increased. It is estimated that less than 1% of the population has type 1 diabetes, so it is relatively rare.
How can I treat it?
Type 1 diabetes is treated by careful monitoring of blood sugar levels and giving insulin either by regular injections prior to eating, or by using an insulin pump.
What else should I know?
People with type 1 diabetes must also be careful in relation to exercise. Exercise shortly after an insulin injection increases the risk of having dangerously low blood sugar levels, known as hypoglycaemia. In addition, some exercise may even increase blood sugar levels due to complex interactions with stress hormones.
What is my personal experience?
Fortunately I don’t have diabetes, but I have had a few friends with type 1 diabetes over the years. My first experience was in primary (elementary) school, where one kid always had special permission to eat chocolate after playing football. Most recently, I have seen that treatment for type 1 diabetes has improved significantly, with live monitoring of blood sugar via mobile apps and indwelling, automatic insulin pumps.
Acknowledgements
This special issue has been put together from a variety of sources and personal experience. To learn more, check out these websites (diabetes.org, JDRF, NHS) for a great starting point.
Abstract Athlete 