Type 1 Diabetes

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body can no longer produce insulin—a hormone essential for moving glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into the cells for energy.

Without insulin, blood sugar rises to dangerous levels, leading to serious health complications. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to survive.

Who Is Affected?

Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. It affects men and women equally and accounts for about 5–10% of all diabetes cases in the U.S.

What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but genetics and environmental triggers (such as viral infections) may play a role.

Risk Factors

Not Controllable

• Family history of type 1 diabetes
• Genetics (certain gene types increase risk)
• Age (most common in children and young adults)
• Ethnicity (higher prevalence in Caucasians)
• Presence of other autoimmune diseases
  
  

Controllable

There are currently no known controllable risk factors for preventing type 1 diabetes. It is not caused by lifestyle, diet, or weight.

Who Is Most at Risk?

• Children and adolescents, especially those between ages 4–14
• Individuals with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with type 1 diabetes
• People with autoimmune conditions like celiac disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  
  

How to Reduce Your Risk

Because type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, there’s no proven way to prevent it. However, research into vaccines and immune therapies is ongoing. Early recognition of symptoms and regular health screenings in high-risk individuals can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can develop quickly, especially in children. They include:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme hunger
• Fatigue or weakness
• Blurred vision
• Irritability or mood changes
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Bedwetting in children who were previously dry
• Nausea or vomiting
  
  

Unique Symptoms in Certain Groups

• Children may first show signs like bedwetting or noticeable behavioral changes.
• Adults can experience a slower onset of symptoms, sometimes leading to misdiagnosis as type 2 diabetes.
• Women may have increased risk of urinary tract or yeast infections due to high blood sugar levels.

How Is Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose type 1 diabetes through a combination of symptom review, blood tests, and sometimes urine tests. Early diagnosis is key to avoiding serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Diagnostic Tests

• Fasting Blood Glucose Test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast.
• A1C Test: Reflects average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months.
• Random Blood Sugar Test: Confirms elevated blood glucose levels at any time.
• Autoantibody Testing: Identifies antibodies that attack pancreatic cells—specific to type 1 diabetes.
• C-Peptide Test: Measures insulin production; low levels suggest type 1.
• Urinalysis: Checks for ketones, indicating fat is being used for energy due to lack of insulin.

How Is Type 1 Diabetes Treated?

There is no cure, but type 1 diabetes can be effectively managed with the right combination of insulin therapy, lifestyle changes, and monitoring.

Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy meal planning (low glycemic foods, consistent carb intake)
• Regular physical activity
• Stress reduction techniques
• Adequate sleep and hydration
  
  

Devices

• Insulin Pumps: Provide continuous insulin delivery throughout the day.
• Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): Track blood sugar in real-time.
• Smart Pens and Apps: Assist with dose accuracy and tracking.
• Blood Glucose Meters: For daily fingerstick testing.
  
  

Medical Treatment

• Insulin injections or pump therapy are essential.
• Types of insulin include:
  
  • Rapid-acting
  • Long-acting
  • Intermediate and short-acting
    
    

• Patients may also require other medications for cholesterol, blood pressure, or mental health support.
  
  

Surgical Options

• Pancreas or islet cell transplantation may be considered in rare, high-risk cases.
  
  

Other Support

• Diabetes education and self-management programs
• Dietitian and endocrinology consultations
• Mental health support and counseling

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment if you or your child experience:

• Constant thirst or frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or vision problems
  
  

When to Call 911

Call 911 immediately if you notice:

• Rapid breathing
• Confusion or unconsciousness
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Severe vomiting or abdominal pain
  
  

These are signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a medical emergency.

Concerned You May Have Type 1 Diabetes?

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have type 1 diabetes, the best thing to do is speak with your primary care provider about your concerns. They can run lab work to diagnose any issues. Connect to your Riverside primary care provider through Riverside MyChart. If you don’t have a primary care provider, you can find one here.

If You Have Been Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it is important to manage your blood sugar levels.

• Develop a personalized management plan with the help of your primary care provider and diabetes educator. Learn how to track and manage blood sugar, take insulin, and respond to changes in glucose levels.
• Meet with your healthcare provider regularly to ensure your disease is well managed.
• Explore diabetes education and self-management resources.