Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that causes high blood sugar and may cause serious complications if left untreated. You can control Type 1 diabetes by regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels and taking insulin injections daily.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune condition where the body doesn’t produce insulin. In people with Type 1 diabetes, their immune system attacks the pancreas cells that produce insulin, destroying them.

Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that turns sugar into energy. Without insulin, sugar stays in the bloodstream, causing high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children but it can develop at any age. There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes but it can be managed with medication. Many people with Type 1 diabetes live long, full lives.

Type 1 diabetes is less common than Type 2 diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 38 million Americans have diabetes – only 2 million of which have Type 1.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

Many people do not experience any symptoms in the early stages of developing Type 1 diabetes. Symptoms may include:

• Frequent urination
• Feeling very thirsty or hungry, even when you’re eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Wounds that won’t heal
• Unexplained weight loss

Symptoms in Adults and Children

Parents should look out for the symptoms listed above in their children. If your child is potty-trained but starts wetting the bed, it could be a sign of Type 1 diabetes. Talk with your child’s pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions.

Though Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in children, adults can develop it at any point, too. In adults, it may be misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes, since the symptoms are similar. Getting a proper diagnosis is crucial to receiving the proper care and avoiding complications.

Complications of Type 1 Diabetes

If left untreated, Type 1 diabetes can result in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be fatal. DKA can develop in people with Type 2 diabetes, but it is more common with Type 1.

People with unmanaged Type 1 diabetes may also be at risk of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Over time, unmanaged Type 1 diabetes may negatively impact the:

• Kidneys
• Heart
• Eyes
• Nerves
• Feet
• Blood vessels

The Differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, whereas Type 2 diabetes is not. People with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin. People with Type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their body does not process it properly.

Type 1 diabetes is much less common than Type 2 diabetes. People with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes experience many of the same symptoms.

Causes and Risk Factors

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is not fully understood, but family history and genetics may play a role. People with a family history of Type 1 diabetes may be at a higher risk.

Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes

There are several diagnostic tests and procedures your doctor may recommend to confirm a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. You may need to have multiple tests done to get accurate results.

Fasting Plasma Glucose Test

This test measures your blood sugar after you have not eaten for eight hours. It’s usually done in the morning before breakfast.

A fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

This test measures your blood sugar before and two hours after drinking a sugary beverage. This helps your provider understand how your body processes sugar.

A reading of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

A1C Test

Also called the hemoglobin A1C test, this measures your blood sugar from the last few months.

An A1C of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.

Random Glucose Test

This blood test measures your blood sugar levels and can be done at any point during the day, whether you’ve eaten or not.

A blood glucose of 200 mg/dL or higher with symptoms of hyperglycemia indicates diabetes.

Antibody Levels

People with Type 1 diabetes may have antibodies against some proteins found in the pancreas. A lab test that shows high levels of these antibodies may indicate Type 1 diabetes.

Management and Treatment

Though Type 1 diabetes cannot be cured, it can be managed with insulin therapy and blood sugar monitoring.

Insulin Shots

People with Type 1 diabetes must give themselves daily insulin shots because their body cannot produce the insulin naturally.

Blood Sugar Checks

Monitoring your blood sugar with a finger prick or continuous glucose monitor will help you keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. Your provider may also recommend more frequent A1C tests to see how your blood sugar levels change over time.

Healthy Blood Sugar Ranges

Blood sugar levels may fluctuate with:

• Diet
• Medication
• Exercise
• Stress
• Illness

Blood Sugar Monitoring Devices

There are different blood sugar monitoring devices to choose from. Your health care provider can help you determine which works best for you.

Exercising and Lifestyle Changes

Along with taking insulin shots and medication, getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet can help your body regulate blood sugar levels more efficiently.