Type 1 diabetes
Also called: T1DM, Juvenile diabetes, Insulin-dependent diabetes
The immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, so the body cannot make insulin. Lifelong insulin treatment is essential.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Autoimmune destruction of beta cells in genetically susceptible people
Risk factors
- Family history
- HLA genes
- Other autoimmune conditions
Symptoms
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Rapid weight loss
- Tiredness
- Bed-wetting in children
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: vomiting, abdominal pain, deep breathing, drowsiness
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Blood glucose and ketones
- HbA1c
- Autoantibodies (GAD, IA-2, ZnT8)
- C-peptide
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Basal–bolus insulin injections or insulin pump
- Continuous glucose monitoring
- Teplizumab can delay onset in at-risk people (where approved)
Operations and procedures
- Hybrid closed-loop 'artificial pancreas' systems
- Islet or pancreas transplantation in selected cases
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Carbohydrate counting
- Regular glucose monitoring
- Recognise and treat hypoglycaemia
- Sick-day rules to prevent ketoacidosis
Possible complications
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Hypoglycaemia
- Long-term eye, kidney, nerve and heart damage
Prevention
- No proven prevention; screening of relatives can detect early disease
Outlook
With good control, people live long, full lives.
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent care for thirst, weight loss and vomiting in a child or young adult.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
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