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Type 1 Diabetes
An autoimmune condition where the pancreas stops making insulin.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment.
When to seek help
Seek emergency care for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) warning signs: vomiting, fruity-smelling breath, confusion, or very high blood sugar that does not improve.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
Overview
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body stops making insulin, the hormone that moves sugar from the blood into cells for energy. It requires lifelong insulin treatment.
Symptoms
- Frequent urination
- Extreme thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue and blurred vision
Causes
An autoimmune reaction destroys the insulin-making cells in the pancreas. The trigger is not fully known; genes and possibly environmental factors are involved.
Types
- Classic type 1 (most common in children and young adults)
- LADA - a slow-onset form in adults
Diagnosis
Diagnosed with blood tests, including blood glucose and autoantibody tests that confirm the immune attack on the pancreas.
Treatment
Always treated with insulin, given by injection or an insulin pump, plus blood-sugar monitoring. Care includes carbohydrate awareness and regular checkups to protect eyes, kidneys, and feet.
Living with it
- Check blood sugar as directed (or use a continuous glucose monitor)
- Count carbohydrates and dose insulin accordingly
- Carry fast-acting sugar for lows
- Wear a medical ID
- See your care team regularly for A1C and complication screening
Complications
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Kidney, eye, and nerve damage over time
- Heart disease
Frequently asked questions
Can type 1 diabetes be prevented or cured?
Not yet. It is not caused by diet or lifestyle, and there is currently no cure - but with insulin and monitoring, people live full, active lives.
Join the Type 1 Diabetes community
Talk with people who understand, share what helps, and find support from others living with type 1 diabetes. Private, moderated, and free.
Posts in this community reflect personal experiences, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before changing your treatment.