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Type 1 Diabetes

Topic Overview

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This topic covers type 1 diabetes, including information about symptoms, tests, and home treatment. For specific information about children who have type 1 diabetes, see the topic Reference Type 1 Diabetes: Children Living With the Disease.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes happens when your Reference pancreas Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window stops making insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body's cells use sugar (glucose) for energy. It also helps the body store extra energy in muscle, fat, and liver cells. Without insulin, this sugar can't get into your cells to do its work. It stays in your blood instead. And then your blood sugar level gets too high.

High blood sugar can harm Reference many parts of the body Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, such as the eyes, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys. It can also increase your risk for other health problems (complications).

Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it usually starts in children or young adults. That's why it used to be called juvenile diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is different from type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body stops making insulin. In type 2, the body doesn't make enough insulin, or the body can't use insulin the right way.

There isn't a cure for type 1 diabetes. But with treatment, people can live long and healthy lives.

What causes type 1 diabetes?

The body makes insulin in beta cells, which are in a part of the pancreas called the islet (say "EYE-let") tissue. Type 1 diabetes starts because the body destroys those beta cells. Experts don't know why this happens.

Some people have a greater chance of getting type 1 diabetes because they have a parent, brother, or sister who has it. But most people with the illness don't have a family history.

Other things that increase the risk of getting type 1 diabetes are being white and having Reference islet cell antibodies Opens New Window in the blood.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of diabetes are:

Being very thirsty.
Urinating a lot.
Losing weight without trying.
Being hungrier than usual (sometimes).
Blurry eyesight.

These symptoms usually appear over a few days to weeks. Sometimes people notice symptoms after an illness, like the flu. They may think that the diabetes symptoms are because of the flu, so they don't seek medical care soon enough.

If you wait too long to get medical care, you may get Reference diabetic ketoacidosis Opens New Window, which is very dangerous. Symptoms of this problem include:

Flushed, hot, dry skin.
Not feeling hungry.
Belly pain.
Vomiting.
A strong, fruity breath odor.
Fast and shallow breathing.
Restlessness, drowsiness, or trouble waking up.
Confusion.

How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose diabetes with a physical exam, your medical history, and blood tests.

Some people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes because they have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.

How is it treated?

Treatment for type 1 diabetes focuses on keeping blood sugar levels within a target range and doing things to reduce complications. To control your blood sugar, you:

Take insulin through daily shots or an insulin pump.
Eat a healthy diet that spreads Reference carbohydrate Opens New Window throughout the day.
Check blood sugar levels several times a day.
Get regular exercise.

What are the complications from diabetes?

High blood sugar can lead to problems such as:

Hardening of the arteries (Reference atherosclerosis Opens New Window). This can cause heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
Reference Diabetic retinopathy Opens New Window. This is a type of eye disease that can lead to vision loss.
Reference Diabetic nephropathy Opens New Window. This kidney disease has no early symptoms, but it can lead to kidney failure.
Reference Diabetic neuropathy Opens New Window. This is a nerve disease that can affect your internal organs as well as your ability to sense touch and pain, especially in your feet. It can also cause sexual problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about type 1 diabetes:	Reference What's the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? Reference What is diabetic ketoacidosis? Reference How does the body control blood sugar?
Being diagnosed:	Reference How can I cope with my feelings about being diagnosed? Reference What is hemoglobin A1c?
Getting treatment:	Reference Reference How do I monitor blood sugar levels at home? Reference Reference How do I give an insulin injection? Reference How does stress affect blood sugar?
Ongoing concerns:	Reference Reference How do I prevent a high blood sugar emergency? Reference Reference How do I deal with low blood sugar? Reference How can I lower my risk for heart disease? Reference How does smoking damage arteries? Reference What are the symptoms of diabetes complications?
Living with type 1 diabetes:	Reference How can I exercise safely? Reference How can I prevent problems while driving? Reference How can I prevent problems when traveling? Reference How do I manage diabetes while working the night shift? Reference Reference How can I plan for pregnancy? Reference Will I be able to breast-feed? Reference How can I stay motivated?

By:	Reference Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: Reference September 11, 2012
Medical Review:	Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Reference Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.