Type 1 Diabetes

Key Points

Overview

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where your body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a vital hormone that allows glucose (sugar) from food to enter your cells for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. This condition can develop at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults. It is different from Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to lifestyle factors and insulin resistance. Managing Type 1 diabetes involves lifelong insulin therapy, careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, and making informed choices about diet and physical activity to maintain good health and prevent complications.

Signs and Symptoms

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections

Things That Increase the Risk

• Family history of type 1 diabetes
• Presence of certain genes
• Specific viral infections
• Geographic location

Diagnosis

• Random blood sugar test
• Fasting blood sugar test
• HbA1c test (glycated hemoglobin)
• Autoantibody tests (to confirm type 1)
• Urine test for ketones

Treatment & Management

• Insulin injections or insulin pump therapy
• Regular blood glucose monitoring
• Carbohydrate counting for meal planning
• Balanced diet and regular exercise
• Routine medical check-ups

Prevention

• No known way to prevent type 1 diabetes
• Early detection of symptoms is vital
• Strict blood sugar control to prevent complications
• Regular monitoring for associated autoimmune conditions

Related Diseases

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Diabetic nephropathy
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Coeliac disease
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• Addison's disease

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Type 1 Diabetes: