Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, which results in high blood glucose levels. High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia , can lead to a range of symptoms and complications that can be severe in people with this condition.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296cbd4957-f35e-4b60-a7ad-7923f7076b02 Unlike type 2 diabetes , which is often linked to poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle that can lead to insulin resistance, type 1 diabetes typically is diagnosed in children and young adults. But it can develop in people of any age, and it requires daily management with insulin therapy and blood sugar monitoring.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295605da0b-bc0f-496c-a136-c49d8e8eb589
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms Glucose is the main source of energy for the cells in your body, but cells can’t use it without the hormone insulin. In type 1 diabetes, a person’s immune system wrongly attacks its insulin-producing cells (called beta cells), leading to insufficient insulin.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290de80da0-dc7c-4593-928d-5cfd6f782718 Without insulin, your cells don’t have their main energy source, so your body will feel depleted and will try to get its energy from somewhere else. Type 1 diabetes symptoms usually develop within a few weeks or months, and they can be quite severe.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a4442997-ad8f-4fcc-9a04-4ffc171dbe28 The typical type 1 diabetes symptoms are:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290de80da0-dc7c-4593-928d-5cfd6f782718e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e12d270d-41f9-4fd4-9482-c18eebb1c201 Constant hunger, thirst, or both Frequent urination , especially at night (or bed-wetting in children) Sudden, unintentional weight loss Fatigue Sudden changes to or blurred vision Cuts or bruises that take a long time to heal Dry, itchy skin You don’t need to have all these symptoms to have type 1 diabetes, and some people don’t develop any symptoms at all.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290de80da0-dc7c-4593-928d-5cfd6f782718 The best way to know for sure if you have the disease is to get a blood glucose test from your healthcare provider.
Potential Complications of Type 1 Diabetes Complications If left untreated, type 1 diabetes can have both short- and long-term, serious complications. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious medical problem that happens when the body lacks insulin to process blood sugar for energy. When your body can’t use its glucose, it breaks down fat instead. The by-products of this process are called ketones. When too many ketones quickly build up in the bloodstream, your blood becomes dangerously acidic.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f58c1f65-17e5-4f49-bfcc-8bea8d844a5ee60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293b2a89d2-f524-422e-a8af-1650f1d0ad9a DKA is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away. Without prompt care, people with type 1 diabetes may go into a coma or even die. Signs and symptoms of DKA include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f58c1f65-17e5-4f49-bfcc-8bea8d844a5e A fruity smell on the breath Dry or flushed skin Nausea and stomach pain Rapid breathing Decreased alertness Dehydration Muscle stiffness The symptoms of DKA may be the first ones that a person with type 1 diabetes will experience before they are diagnosed.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e53a2d84-1794-444e-aa53-476671dab242 Long-Term Complications of Type 1 Diabetes Untreated diabetes can cause a host of complications, but they can be avoided with proper care and treatment. Overly high blood glucose levels over an extended period of time can lead to:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e53a2d84-1794-444e-aa53-476671dab242 Cardiovascular complications, such as heart disease or stroke Nerve damage (also called neuropathy ) Kidney damage (also called nephropathy) Eye damage that may result in poor vision or blindness Lower-limb amputations due to skin ulcers that won’t heal
When to See a Doctor Doctor’s Visits Early detection of type 1 diabetes is essential for preventing complications. If you have a family history of the disease or if you or your child develops any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, see a healthcare professional right away for a blood test to check for blood sugar levels and antibodies associated with type 1 diabetes.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cf173e54-996f-4698-af9a-f9ae291d57a4
The Takeaway Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder often diagnosed in children or young adults. It causes the body to stop making enough insulin to keep blood sugar at healthy levels. This health condition can cause symptoms such as constant hunger and thirst, fatigue, and sudden changes in vision. These problems can come on quickly and become severe. Complications from type 1 diabetes can be life-threatening. But with proper care, they may be delayed or avoided.
Resources We Trust Mayo Clinic: Type 1 DiabetesJohns Hopkins Medicine: Type 1 DiabetesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention: About Type 1 DiabetesAmerican Diabetes Association: Your Journey With Type 1 DiabetesNHS Inform: Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms and Getting Diagnosed
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