What is Type 1 Diabetes?

You may have heard of diabetes and know that it has something to do with elevated blood sugar levels, but are not sure of the different types of diabetes and how they are characterized.  There are three different kinds of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational. Below you will learn all about type 1 diabetes. 

About 7 percent of people in the U.S. have some type of diabetes. Five percent to 10 percent of people with diabetes have type 1. 

In the past, type 1 diabetes mellitus has been called: 

• Childhood diabetes 
• Juvenile-onset diabetes 
• Insulin-dependent diabetes

Do not let the names childhood and juvenile fool you. Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed most often during childhood, but it can be diagnosed in adults too. 

What  is type 1 diabetes? 

Type 1 diabetes occurs in people who have little or no insulin in their body.  Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. 

Why do you need insulin? 

When you eat, your body breaks food down to  glucose (sugar). The glucose enters  your bloodstream. Insulin moves this glucose from the bloodstream  to the cells. Cells use glucose for  energy. If you don't have  insulin, the  glucose stays in the bloodstream. This is why people with diabetes have "high blood sugar" levels. 

High  blood sugar is dangerous because it  can damage the: 

• Kidneys 
• Heart 
• Nerves 
• Feet
• Eyes 
• Blood vessels 

What are the symptoms? 

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include: 

• Frequent urination 
• Extreme thirst 
• Increased hunger 
• Weight loss without trying
• Fatigue
• Irritability 
• Blurry vision 

If you have these symptoms, check with your doctor right away about getting tested for diabetes. 

How is it diagnosed? 

Diabetes is diagnosed by a blood test. Doctors use one or more of  the following blood tests for diagnosis: 

• Fasting plasma glucose test (FPG). Blood is drawn after fasting for 8  or more hours. A blood sugar reading of 126 mg/dL or higher might mean you have diabetes. 
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Just like FPG, you fast for at least 8 hours and then have blood drawn. Then you drink a glucose-rich beverage. Blood sugar is measured again 2 hours after the drink. A blood sugar reading of 200 mg/dL or more could mean diabetes. 
• Random plasma glucose test. This test is run on a sample of blood that has been taken without regard to when a person last ate.  A random blood sugar reading of 200 mg/dL or more may indicate diabetes. 
• Hemoglobin A1C  test (HbA1C). The A1C test is a simple blood test. You don't need to change your diet or medications before the A1C test. A small sample of blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm. An A1C of 6.5 percent or higher may mean  you have diabetes.

If the blood test is positive, your doctor  will most likely  need to repeat the test on a different day before a diagnosis is made. 

How is type 1 diabetes managed? 

The goal of managing your diabetes is to control your blood sugar levels. 

You need to check your blood glucose levels several times a day. This is done using your blood glucose meter as directed by your doctor. The blood glucose meter will tell you what your sugar level is. You will work with your doctor and other members of your care team to decide what your target blood sugar levels should be. 

To help control blood sugar levels, your diabetes team will help you create a treatment plan. The three main components of your treatment plan are: 

• Insulin therapy.  Everyone with type 1 diabetes needs to  take insulin up to several times a day. Insulin injections make up  for the body's inability to produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. You may need to adjust  your insulin dose depending on what your blood sugar reading is. You can inject insulin by using a needle and syringe, insulin pen or an insulin pump that you wear on your body. Ask your doctor what's best for you. 
• Nutrition. Work with a dietician to design a nutrition plan. Usually a diabetes diet is suggested. This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and nonfat dairy, and is low in fat, sodium and cholesterol. 
• Exercise. Check with your doctor before you start an exercise program. Exercise can lead to better blood sugar control and increased energy. 

What is the cause of diabetes? 

Researchers do not know why people get type 1 diabetes. Genetics may be one reason. If someone in your family has diabetes, you are more likely to develop diabetes. Also, there appear to be triggers in the environment that raise the risk for type 1 diabetes in some people. These triggers may include certain viruses or a cold climate. Type 1 diabetes is also more common in Caucasians than other racial groups.