When Maheep Kapoor revealed that she had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in her adult years in the hit Netflix show, Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, she highlighted how adults too can be diagnosed with this auto-immune condition rather late in the day.
“Type 1 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents but it is possible for adults, even post-menopausal women, to develop this autoimmune condition. Unlike type 2 diabetes, which is typically related to insulin resistance, type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to an absolute deficiency in insulin that affects blood sugar regulation,” says Dr Richa Chaturvedi, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.
How common is Type 1 diabetes in adults? Can post-menopausal women develop it?
Type 1 diabetes in adults, including post-menopause, is relatively rare. Type 1 diabetes does not discriminate by age, and its manifestation in adulthood, termed Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) or late-onset type 1 diabetes, shares similarities with the childhood form. In LADA, the autoimmune process that destroys pancreatic beta cells progresses slowly, leading to a gradual onset of insulin dependence.
For post-menopausal women, the sharp decline in estrogen during menopause can affect how the body processes insulin, even in those who previously managed blood sugar levels well. This hormonal shift can exacerbate underlying autoimmune predispositions or metabolic challenges, leading to the onset of Type 1 diabetes.
What are conditions under which Type 1 diabetes can manifest?
Type 1 diabetes in adults is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes because of its gradual onset and similarity of symptoms. However, certain risk factors can trigger the disease post-menopause:
1. Genetics and Autoimmune Factors: If an individual has a family history of autoimmune diseases or Type 1 diabetes, they may be more predisposed to developing the condition later in life, particularly after menopause.
2. Viral Infections: In some cases, viral infections can trigger an autoimmune response that results in the destruction of insulin-producing cells, even in adulthood.
3. Hormonal Changes: The hormonal imbalance caused by menopause can exacerbate autoimmune tendencies, affecting how the body manages glucose and insulin levels.
4. Stress and Lifestyle Changes: Post-menopausal women often experience significant life changes, such as altered sleep patterns, stress, or weight gain, all of which can contribute to the onset of diabetes or worsen existing conditions.
How does one manage Type 1 diabetes in adulthood?
Given that the pancreas no longer produces insulin, daily insulin injections or an insulin pump are necessary for survival. Adults may require varying doses depending on their diet, activity level and hormonal fluctuations. Work with your endocrinologist to fine-tune insulin dosing.
Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is vital to ensure insulin therapy is effective. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices can help track blood sugar levels in real-time and alert the user of any spikes or dips.
Nutrition plays a critical role in managing blood sugar. Post-menopausal women with Type 1 diabetes should focus on smaller, more frequent meals to prevent blood sugar spikes. Consuming high-fibre foods such as vegetables, whole grains and legumes can slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
Since carbohydrate intake directly affects blood sugar levels, carb counting is an effective method for regulating blood sugar.
Regular physical activity helps lower blood sugar levels, improves insulin sensitivity and supports overall health. So exercise is non-negotiable.
Living with type 1 diabetes as an adult or post-menopause can be emotionally challenging. But with the right care plan, people with Type 1 diabetes can live healthy, fulfilling lives.
