Type 1 Diabetes
- anoushkapandit
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is a type of autoimmune disease that is chronic (life-long) and prevents insulin production in the pancreas. Type 1 Diabetes was previously referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes.
Insulin is a critical hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels. Under normal conditions, the body digests the ingested carbohydrates into simple sugars, primarily glucose, which is the body’s most important source of energy. Insulin travels in the blood to signal the cells to take in glucose. When levels of glucose rise after a meal, it triggers the body to release more insulin from the pancreas. When glucose enters the cells and sugar levels decrease in the bloodstream, it triggers the pancreas to stop producing insulin.
Being an autoimmune disease, Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the immune system destroys some or all of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leaving the insulin with little or no insulin. As a result, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream and glucose is not used as an energy source by the cells. These high levels of glucose that are left in the blood eventually lead to a condition called hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), causing excessive urination and dehydration that results in tissue damage.
Causes of Type 1 Diabetes
The exact causes of Type 1 Diabetes are currently unknown to scientists, but they believe that the condition is strongly influenced by a genetic component. For instance, scientists compared how the risk of developing the disease with no family history of it was about 0.4% while the risk was as high as 30% when both biological parents had Type 1 Diabetes. If there is a genetic predisposition for developing the condition, environmental toxins or viruses may trigger the immune system to attack the pancreatic cells.
Initial Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
The most prominent symptoms initially present are an onset of excessive urination due to increased glucose levels in the blood. Dehydration occurs as a result of fluid loss, leading to extreme thirst. In children, bedwetting occurs from excessive urination. Weight loss with no appetite is a common symptom. Other common symptoms include weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, excessive hunger, slow healing of cuts or sores, and blurred vision.
Ketoacidosis may also occur since the cells need energy, but they don’t have glucose. In response to low insulin levels, the liver produces an alternative fuel called ketone (a type of acid). When they increase in levels in the blood, it causes ketoacidosis, which may lead to complicated heart problems and affect the nervous system. A person eventually may be at risk of a coma or death if the amount of ketone in the blood builds up too much.
Chronic Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
Even after diagnosis and treatment, Type 1 Diabetes eventually affects all other body systems. If blood sugar levels are well controlled by treatment, then the condition is less likely to damage the body and lead to life-threatening complications. Otherwise, serious chronic symptoms can occur as listed below:
Neuropathy (damage to neurons): damage to the nerves can occur when there are high levels of sugar in the blood, causing pain or numbness in affected body parts. Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in the hands, legs, and feet) occurs most often. Nerves involved in digestion, urination, and other physiologies are also damaged as a result of Type 1 Diabetes.
Nephropathy (kidney disease): if blood sugar levels increase due to Type 1 Diabetes, it can lead to kidney failure, which will then require either a kidney transplant or dialysis as treatment.
Sores and blisters on feet: commonly occur as a result of high blood sugar levels. Sores may be noticed from the numbness caused by peripheral neuropathy. If sores are left unnoticed, there is a risk of infection. If simple sores are left untreated, serious cases like gangrene can occur, where amputation is then required. Due to poor circulation of blood, the healing process in the body is slow, so it is essential to notice sores or blisters.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can result when lowering blood sugar levels to treat Type 1 Diabetes. Symptoms include weakness, dizziness, fatigue, headache, confusion, and irritability.
Retinopathy (eye damage): high blood sugar damages tiny blood vessels of the retina (back of the eye). Vessel damage prevents the circulation of blood to the retina. As a result, the retina is unable to sense light. Diabetes may also result in a proliferation of new blood vessels that leak and bleed in the retina, which may cause blindness. To prevent blindness, it is advised to control the blood sugar levels or undergo laser therapy to treat retinopathy.
Heart and artery disease: patients with Type 1 Diabetes are prone to have heart disease, strokes, blood flow complications, and other circulatory-related complications.
Prevention and Treatment
It is essential to explore treatment options with an endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in treating hormone-related conditions). Ask other providers questions and stay informed about Type 1 Diabetes. Visiting an ophthalmologist at least yearly is also recommended to check the health of the eyes. Take care of not only your physical but also your mental health. Check blood sugar levels and take your medication regularly. Connecting with other people who also have Type 1 Diabetes can help in managing the chronic condition, uplifting you during anxious or overwhelming moments. Managing Type 1 Diabetes involves a team effort from family, friends, and medical professionals.
Works Cited:
Shmerling, Robert H. “Type 1 diabetes mellitus,” Harvard Health Publishing. 25 June 2025.
“Type 1 Diabetes,” Cleveland Clinic. 9 March 2022.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
