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Mother and a Child

Type 1 Diabetes

When you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas produces no or very little insulin. Insulin is a hormone that aids the entry of blood sugar into cells where it will be utilized for energy. Blood sugar cannot enter cells without insulin, and it accumulates in the bloodstream. High blood sugar harms the body and contributes to many of the symptoms and problems associated with diabetes.

There is no knowledge of how to prevent type 1 diabetes. However, it can be controlled by following your doctor's advice for a balanced lifestyle, blood sugar management, frequent health checks, and diabetes self-management education and support. Type 1 diabetes is less prevalent than type 2 diabetes; around 5-10% of diabetics have type 1. Diabetes type 1 is most commonly diagnosed in adolescents, teenagers, and young adults, although it can strike anybody at any age.

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What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is considered to be caused by an autoimmune reaction that destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

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Type 1 diabetes is not caused by diet or lifestyle choices.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Diabetes, if left untreated, may cause serious—even fatal—health issues. Risk factors are known to be influenced by family history.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can appear in as little as a few weeks or months. They might be severe once they occur. These symptoms include: 

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  • feeling very dehydrated 

  • urinating more than usual, particularly at night

  • feeling very tired

  • thrush that keeps coming back

  • blurred vision

  • cuts not healing

  • fruity-smelling breath

  • Weight loss—even though you are eating more

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