Type 1 Diabetes Facts

Causes, Symptoms, Complications, and Treatments

Explanation:

Type 1 diabetes can be called a variety of names including:

- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)

- juvenile diabetes

- brittle diabetes

- sugar diabetes

There are two forms:

- 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.

The information on this page refers to Immune-mediated Type 1 diabetes the most common form.

Causes:

The cause of the disease is unknown, but believed to be genetic or environmental (possibly viruses) where the cells of the pancreas produce little or no insulin, the hormone that allows sugar glucose) to enter body cells. 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.

Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells and the body’s cells literally starve to death. The body is unable to use this glucose for energy despite high levels in the bloodstream. This leads to increased hunger.

In addition, the high levels of glucose in the blood causes increased urination. This leads to excessive thirst. Within 5 - 10 years, the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas are completely destroyed and the body cannot longer produce insulin.

It can occur at any age. Many patients, however, are diagnosed after age 20. It also accounts for 3% of all new cases of diabetes each year. There is 1 new case per every 7,000 children per year.

Symptoms:

Type 1 diabetes often appears suddenly. The following are the most common symptoms of the disease. 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.

Complications:

This disease 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.

Medical Treatments:

People with type 1 diabetes must have daily injections of insulin to keep their blood sugar level within normal ranges. Other treatment options may also 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.

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