Lila Moss Opens Up About Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

What is type 1 diabetes and what causes it?

Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, but it usually affects children, teens and young adults.Some people are more likely to develop this type of diabetes if other family members have a diabetic condition or are exposed to environmental triggers such as viruses. does not cause type 1 diabetes.

As with other autoimmune conditions, the body attacks itself and destroys the cells the body needs to function. Specifically in type 1, the body attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, an organ next to the stomach below the liver.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes Thirst, appetite, increased urination, weight loss, irritability, mood changes and fatigue. Symptoms can appear suddenly and can be life-threatening when blood sugar levels reach very high levels, causing swelling of the brain, confusion, loss of consciousness, and coma.

Difference between type 1 and type 2

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is a much more common condition that usually develops later in life and is not an autoimmune disease, due to a combination of genetic, dietary and lifestyle factors.

instead, the body normally makes insulinbut so that the cells do not absorb glucose from the blood, they lose their sensitivity to it.

“When the body cannot use insulin efficiently, this is called insulin resistance,” says Camilla Levister of Endocrinology, Metabolic and Bone Diseases at Mount Sinai and Icahn School of Medicine.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes include:

• higher weight
• be over 45 years old
• Affiliation specific race or ethnicityincludes Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
• family history
• sedentary life
• A history of gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy and goes away after pregnancy)
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes can usually make lifestyle changes or take oral medications to bring their blood sugar to healthy levels. For example, losing weight (if needed) and carefully managing protein, fat and carbohydrate intake can help.

Exercise is as effective as medication when it comes to lowering blood sugar levels in people with type 2.

Almost any physical activity can help people with Type 2 blood sugar control.

“Not everyone can work out, go to the gym, or join the gym,” says Jodi, certified diabetes care and education specialist and certified/content development director for the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists. Lavin-Tompkins says: healthy food choices and practices. “So we say, Be as active as possible, move more and eat healthier“

Elevated blood sugar levels are toxic and can damage organs, so diabetics are also at risk for health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss. Drugs that lower blood pressure, aspirin to prevent blood clots, and statins to lower cholesterol levels can help reduce the risk of diabetes complications that can be caused by elevated blood sugar levels.

“There are actually several classes of drugs that work in different ways in the body, but people with type 2 can also take insulin. The point is to control your blood sugar.”

Long-term management of type 1 diabetes

Although there is no cure or method to prevent type 1 diabetes, there are treatment options to mimic normal insulin levels.

Patients with type 1 diabetes should measure their blood glucose levels multiple times a day by taking a drop of blood from a finger prick and checking it with a glucose monitor or using a continuous glucose monitor to do the same. there is. Depending on the results, insulin is injected or delivered via an insulin pump. (You can also calculate how much insulin you need, depending on the carbohydrates in your meal.)

“Diabetes care and education professionals can help people with diabetes manage their diabetes. There are many technologies that can help people. We can help you use it effectively.”

Moss seems to have a good sense of humor in dealing with her diagnosis and need for life-saving equipment. “Honestly, I got to live with it.