Unpacking Type 1 Diabetes (part 1): Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis
- Kiara Nishar
- Apr 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 1, 2024
WHAT IS TYPE 1 DIABETES?
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition in which your immune system destroys insulin-making cells in your pancreas, causing a person’s blood glucose (sugar) level to become too high.The condition is usually diagnosed in children and young people, so it is also called juvenile diabetes. The hormone insulin – produced by the pancreas – is responsible for controlling the amount of glucose in the blood.
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 – where the pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin
Type 2 – where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body’s cells don’t react to insulin
This blog focuses on Type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, but usually appears before the age of 40, particularly in childhood. Around 10% of all diabetes is type 1.
In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas (a small gland behind the stomach) progressively reduces the amount of insulin (the hormone that regulates blood glucose levels) it produces until it stops producing any at all. If the amount of glucose in the blood is too high, it can, over time, seriously damage the body’s organs.
SYMPTOMS
Signs are often subtle, but they can become severe. They include:
Increased thirst (polydipsia) and dry mouth.
Increased hunger (especially after eating)
Upset stomach and vomiting
Unexplained weight loss, even though you’re eating and feel hungry
Heavy, labored breathing (your doctor may call this Kussmaul respiration)
Crankiness or mood changes
Bedwetting in a child who’s been dry at night
Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
Slow-healing sores or cuts.
Signs of an emergency with type 1 diabetes include:
Shaking and confusion
Rapid breathing
Fruity smell to your breath
Loss of consciousness (rare)
CAUSES
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, where the immune system (the body’s natural defence against infection and illness) mistakes the cells in your pancreas as harmful and attacks them.
Without insulin, your body will break down its own fat and muscle, resulting in weight loss. This can lead to a serious short-term condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. This is when the bloodstream becomes acidic, you develop dangerous levels of ketones in your bloodstream and become severely dehydrated.
This results in the body being unable to produce insulin, which is required to move glucose out of the blood and into your cells to be used for energy. Thus Type 1 diabetes occurs.
Risk factors
Some factors that can raise your risk for type 1 diabetes include:
Family history~ Anyone with a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes has a slightly higher risk of developing the condition.
Genetics~ Having certain genes increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
Geography~The number of people who have type 1 diabetes tends to be higher as you travel away from the equator.
Age~Type 1 diabetes can appear at any age, but it appears at two noticeable peaks. The first peak occurs in children between 4 and 7 years old. The second is in children between 10 and 14 years old.
FACT:
If you have a close relative – such as a parent, brother or sister – with type 1 diabetes, you have about a 6% chance of also developing the condition. The risk for people who don’t have a close relative with type 1 diabetes is just under 0.5%.
DIAGNOSIS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES
Tests to diagnose Type 1 Diabetes include:
Urine Sample: Your urine sample will be tested to see whether it contains glucose. Urine doesn’t usually contain glucose, but if you have diabetes, some glucose can overflow through the kidneys and into the urine. Your urine may also be tested for ketones (chemicals) that indicate type 1 diabetes.
Fasting blood glucose test: For this test, you don’t eat or drink anything except water (fast) for at least eight hours before the test. As food can greatly affect blood sugar, this test allows your provider to see your baseline blood sugar.
Random blood glucose test: “Random” means that you can get this test at any time, regardless of if you’ve fasted.
HbA1c: This test, also called HbA1C or glycated hemoglobin test, provides your average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. The HbA1c test gives your average blood glucose level over the previous two to three months. The results can indicate whether the measures you’re taking to control your diabetes are working. Unlike other tests, the HbA1c test can be carried out at any time of day and doesn’t require any special preparation, such as fasting. However, it’s less reliable in certain situations, such as during pregnancy.
The advantages associated with the HbA1c test make it the preferred method of assessing how well blood glucose levels are being controlled in a person with diabetes.
AFTER DIAGNOSIS
After receiving a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes, you may experience a range of emotions, including shock, sadness, anxiety, or confusion. It's important to understand that these feelings are normal and that each person's journey with Type 1 diabetes is unique. While it can be a challenging time for most, some individuals find ways to maintain their normal daily activities despite the diagnosis.
Talking openly about your condition with your healthcare team, family, and friends can be incredibly beneficial. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek out as much information as you need to feel confident and informed about your treatment options. Remember, you have the right to be involved in decisions about your care, and your medical team is there to support you every step of the way.