Type 1 Diabetes
Also known as: T1D, Juvenile Diabetes, Insulin-Dependent Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, resulting in little to no insulin production. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter cells for energy and builds up in the bloodstream to dangerous levels. It most commonly develops in children and young adults and requires lifelong insulin therapy for survival.
Symptoms
Causes
- Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
- Genetic susceptibility (HLA-DR3 and HLA-DR4 genes)
- Possible environmental triggers (viral infections, dietary factors)
- Immune system mistakenly targeting insulin-producing cells
Risk Factors
- Family history of type 1 diabetes
- Genetic markers (HLA gene variants)
- Northern European ancestry (higher incidence)
- Age (peak onset between 4-7 years and 10-14 years)
- Presence of autoantibodies (GAD65, IA-2, ZnT8)
Diagnosis
- Fasting blood glucose (≥126 mg/dL)
- Random blood glucose (≥200 mg/dL with symptoms)
- HbA1c test (≥6.5%)
- C-peptide level (low or absent, indicating minimal insulin production)
- Autoantibody testing (GAD65, IA-2, insulin autoantibodies) to confirm autoimmune type
Treatment
- Multiple daily insulin injections (basal-bolus regimen)
- Insulin pump therapy for continuous subcutaneous delivery
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems
- Automated insulin delivery (hybrid closed-loop) systems
- Carbohydrate counting and meal planning
- Regular blood glucose monitoring and HbA1c testing
Prevention
- Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented
- Teplizumab (Tzield) may delay onset in high-risk individuals with autoantibodies
- Research into prevention strategies is ongoing
When to See a Doctor
- Your child develops excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss
- You notice fruity-smelling breath or rapid breathing—seek emergency care (possible DKA)
- Blood sugar readings are consistently outside target range
- You experience symptoms of low blood sugar (shakiness, confusion, sweating)
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
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