WHAT IS TYPE 1 DIABETES?
Diabetes occurs when the body stops producing insulin altogether, either because the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed or because they don’t work. This usually happens when the body's own immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.
People with type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections or use an insulin pump to survive. Type 1 diabetes is usually first diagnosed in children and young adults, although it may be diagnosed into adulthood.
CAUSES OF TYPE 1 DIABETES
In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, the hormone that helps cells use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is the result of an autoimmune process.
There is currently no known way to prevent or predict type 1. Unlike type 2 diabetes, there is no known relationship between type 1 diabetes and body weight, cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes may vary widely. They can include:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Weight loss
- Extreme hunger
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain and fatigue
Women with type 1 diabetes may also stop menstruating.
RISK FACTORS
A family history of type 1 diabetes may increase the risk. Certain viral infections may also increase the risk.
DIAGNOSIS
Many people are first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after being hospitalised for symptoms caused by extreme high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or extreme low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Doctors will then use a series of tests to check for ketoacidosis, a condition that can lead to coma and death.
Blood tests will help them determine your blood sugar (glucose) and gain an indication of how much insulin is being produced. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of diabetes, it is important to visit your doctor.
TYPE 1 DIABETES TREATMENT OPTIONS
To keep blood glucose levels in the target range and to reduce the risk of complications, accurate doses of insulin need to be delivered to the body. This can be accomplished through several different technologies.
CONVENTIONAL
THERAPY
Conventional therapy includes two-to-three injections per day of mixed long- and short-acting insulin. This type of treatment has become uncommon for people with type 1 diabetes.
MULTIPLE DAILY
INJECTIONS (MDI)
MDI is technically defined as the administration of three or more injections of insulin a day. MDI involves a long-acting insulin for background insulin and injections of rapid-acting insulin before meals.
LEARN MORE About MDI
INSULIN PUMP
TECHNOLOGY
This technology replaces the need for frequent injections by delivering small, precise doses of rapid-acting insulin.
LEARN ABOUT INSULIN PUMP TECHNOLOGY
SENSOR AUGMENTED
PUMP TECHNOLOGY
There are three main components to sensor augmented technology: a “smart” insulin pump, a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, and technology management software. In some cases, the delivery of insulin can be modified by continuous glucose readings.
Learn More ABOUT THIS TECHNOLOGY
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
