Summarize the following: Type 1 Diabetes

On this page:

What is type 1 diabetes?

Who is more likely to develop type 1 diabetes?

What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?

What causes type 1 diabetes?

How do health care professionals diagnose type 1 diabetes?

What medicines do I need to treat my type 1 diabetes?

How else can I manage type 1 diabetes?

Do I have other treatment options for my type 1 diabetes?

What health problems can people with type 1 diabetes develop?

Can I lower my chance of developing type 1 diabetes?

What is type 1 diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes mainly from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps the glucose in your blood get into your cells to be used for energy. Another hormone, glucagon, works with insulin to control blood glucose levels.

In most people with type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system, which normally fights infection, attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. As a result, your pancreas stops making insulin. Without insulin, glucose can’t get into your cells and your blood glucose rises above normal. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to stay alive.

Who is more likely to develop type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes typically occurs in children and young adults, although it can appear at any age. Having a parent or sibling with the disease may increase your chance of developing type 1 diabetes. In the United States, about 5 percent of people with diabetes have type 1.1

What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are serious and usually happen quickly, over a few days to weeks. Symptoms can include

increased thirst and urination

increased hunger

blurred vision

fatigue

unexplained weight loss

Sometimes the first symptoms of type 1 diabetes are signs of a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) NIH external link. Some symptoms of DKA include

breath that smells fruity

dry or flushed skin

nausea or vomiting

stomach pain

trouble breathing

trouble paying attention or feeling confused

DKA is serious and dangerous. If you or your child have symptoms of DKA, contact your health care professional right away, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

What causes type 1 diabetes?

Experts think type 1 diabetes is caused by genes and factors in the environment, such as viruses, that might trigger the disease. Researchers are working to