What is type 1 diabetes?
Why does type 1 diabetes occur?
What are the warning signs?

What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, lifelong disease. It can occur at any age but is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Previously known as juvenile diabetes, it’s also called insulin-dependent diabetes, because people with this disorder must take insulin to stay alive.

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Why does type 1 diabetes occur?
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas, an organ near the stomach. Insulin is needed to move glucose (blood sugar), which comes from food, from the blood into the cells, where the insulin is used as fuel for the body.

For unknown reasons, in type 1 diabetes the body’s immune system has attacked certain cells (called beta cells) in the pancrease. Once they're destroyed, the pancreas produces little or no insulin, so the glucose stays in the blood. When there’s too much glucose in the blood, especially for prolonged periods, all the organ systems in the body suffer long-term damage.

People with type 1 diabetes must take daily injections of insulin and frequently test their blood sugar. Type 1 diabetics must be persistent about their eating habits, regulating their sugar levels by balancing diet and exercise. This is important to avoid reactions such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), both of which can be life-threatening.

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What are the warning signs of type 1 diabetes?

• Increased or extreme thirst
• Increased or frequent urination
• Unusual weight loss, despite increased appetite
• Increased fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Fruity odor or breath

Often type 1 diabetes remains undiagnosed until symptoms become severe and hospitalization is required. Then the immediate goal is to treat high blood glucose levels. In the long term, the goals are to reduce symptoms and prevent complications that result from diabetes. These goals may seem overwhelming at first, but they can be achieved through a strong support team, education, lifestyle changes and persistent self testing of glucose levels.

Type 1 diabetes is serious. Some complications include heart disease, blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage.

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This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 09/05/08.