Diabetes

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes may also be known by a variety of other names, including the following:

• insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
• juvenile diabetes
• brittle diabetes
• sugar diabetes

There are two forms of type 1 diabetes:

• idiopathic type 1 diabetes - refers to rare forms of the disease with no known cause.

• immune-mediated diabetes - an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system destroys, or attempts to destroy, the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Immune-mediated diabetes is the most common form of type 1 diabetes, and the one generally referred to as type 1 diabetes. The information on this page refers to this form of type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes in the US. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, but can start at any age.

What causes type 1 diabetes?

The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is believed that genetic and environmental factors (possibly viruses) may be involved. The body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide energy.

When glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood and the body's cells literally starve to death. People with type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections and regularly monitor their blood sugar levels.

What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes often appears suddenly. The following are the most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• high levels of sugar in the blood when tested
• high levels of sugar in the urine when tested
• unusual thirst
• frequent urination
• extreme hunger but loss of weight
• blurred vision
• nausea and vomiting
• extreme weakness and fatigue
• irritability and mood changes

In children, symptoms may be similar to those of having the flu.

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

What complications may be associated with type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes can cause many different problems. However, the three key complications of diabetes include the following:

1. hypoglycemia - low blood sugar; sometimes called an insulin reaction; occurs when blood sugar drops too low.
   
   
2. hyperglycemia - high blood sugar; occurs when blood sugar is too high, and can be a sign that diabetes is not well controlled.
   
   
3. ketoacidosis - diabetic coma; loss of consciousness due to untreated or under-treated diabetes.

Treatment for type 1 diabetes:

Specific treatment for type 1 diabetes will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

People with type 1 diabetes must have daily injections of insulin to keep their blood sugar level within normal ranges. Other parts of the treatment protocol may include:

• appropriate diet (to manage blood sugar levels)
  
  
• exercise (to lower and help the body use blood sugar)
  
  
• careful self-monitoring of blood sugar levels several times a day, as directed by your physician
  
  
• careful self-monitoring of ketone levels in the urine several times a day, as directed by your physician
  
  
• regular monitoring of the hemoglobin A1c levels
  The hemoglobin A1c test (also called HbA1c test) shows the average amount of sugar in the blood over the last three months. The result will indicate if the blood sugar level is under control. The frequency of HbA1c testing will be determined by your physician. It is recommended that testing occur at least twice a year if the blood sugar level is in the target range and stable, and more frequently if the blood sugar level is unstable.

Advances in diabetes research have led to improved methods of managing diabetes and treating its complications. However, scientists continue to explore the causes of diabetes and ways to prevent and treat the disorder. Other methods of administering insulin through inhalers and pills are currently being studied. Scientists are investigating gene involvement in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and some genetic markers for type 1 diabetes have been identified. Pancreas transplants are also being performed.