Type 1 diabetes | |
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Other names | Diabetes mellitus type 1, insulin-dependent diabetes, juvenile diabetes |
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A blue circle, the symbol for diabetes. | |
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | Endocrinology |
Symptoms | Frequent urination, increased thirst, weight loss |
Complications | Diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycemia, cardiovascular disease, damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves |
Usual onset | At any age; over days to weeks |
Duration | Lifelong |
Causes | Body does not produce enough insulin |
Risk factors | Family history, celiac disease, autoimmune diseases |
Diagnostic method | High blood sugar levels, autoantibodies targeting insulin-producing cells. |
Prevention | Teplizumab |
Treatment | Monitoring blood sugar, injected insulin, managing diet |
Prognosis | 10-12 years shorter life expectancy[1][2][3] |
Frequency | 11–22 million cases globally[4] |
Type 1 diabetes (T1D), formerly known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease that originates when cells that make insulin (beta cells) are destroyed by the immune system.[5] Insulin is a hormone required for the cells to use blood sugar for energy and it helps regulate glucose levels in the bloodstream.[6] It results in high blood sugar levels in the body prior to treatment.[7] The common symptoms of this elevated blood sugar are frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, weight loss, and other serious complications.[5][8] Additional symptoms may include blurry vision, tiredness, and slow wound healing.[6] Symptoms typically develop over a short period of time, often a matter of weeks if not months.[7]
The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown,[5] but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.[7] The underlying mechanism involves an autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.[6] Diabetes is diagnosed by testing the level of sugar or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in the blood.[9][10]
Type 1 diabetes can typically be distinguished from type 2 by testing for the presence of autoantibodies[9] and/or declining levels/absence of C-peptide.
There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes.[5] Treatment with insulin is required for survival.[7] Insulin therapy is usually given by injection just under the skin but can also be delivered by an insulin pump.[11] A diabetic diet and exercise are important parts of management.[6] If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications.[5] Complications of relatively rapid onset include diabetic ketoacidosis and nonketotic hyperosmolar coma.[9] Long-term complications include heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, foot ulcers and damage to the eyes.[5] Furthermore, since insulin lowers blood sugar levels, complications may arise from low blood sugar if more insulin is taken than necessary.[9]
Type 1 diabetes makes up an estimated 5–10% of all diabetes cases.[12] The number of people affected globally is unknown, although it is estimated that about 80,000 children develop the disease each year.[9] Within the United States the number of people affected is estimated at one to three million.[9][13] Rates of disease vary widely, with approximately one new case per 100,000 per year in East Asia and Latin America and around 30 new cases per 100,000 per year in Scandinavia and Kuwait.[14][15] It typically begins in children and young adults but can begin at any age.[7][16]
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