OverviewType 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition. In this condition, the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone the body uses to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. Show
Different factors, such as genetics and some viruses, may cause type 1 diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence, it can develop in adults. Even after a lot of research, type 1 diabetes has no cure. Treatment is directed toward managing the amount of sugar in the blood using insulin, diet and lifestyle to prevent complications. SymptomsType 1 diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly and may include:
When to see a doctorTalk to your health care provider if you notice any of the above symptoms in you or your child. Sign up for free, and stay
up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we
will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesThe exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. Usually, the body's own immune system — which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses — destroys the insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas. Other possible causes include:
The role of insulinOnce a large number of islet cells are destroyed, the body will produce little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that comes from a gland behind and below the stomach (pancreas).
The role of glucoseGlucose — a sugar — is a main source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues.
In type 1 diabetes, there's no insulin to let glucose into the cells. Because of this, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. This can cause life-threatening complications. Risk factorsSome factors that can raise your risk for type 1 diabetes include:
ComplicationsOver time, type 1 diabetes complications can affect major organs in the body. These organs include the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Having a normal blood sugar level can lower the risk of many complications. Diabetes complications can lead to disabilities or even threaten your life.
PreventionThere's no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. But researchers are working on preventing the disease or further damage of the islet cells in people who are newly diagnosed. Ask your provider if you might be eligible for one of these clinical trials. It is important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of any treatment available in a trial. The Mayo Clinic experience and patient storiesOur patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care like they've never experienced. See the stories of satisfied Mayo Clinic patients.
How is a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus confirmed?A blood sample will be taken after you don't eat (fast) overnight. A fasting blood sugar level less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is healthy. A fasting blood sugar level from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) is considered prediabetes. If it's 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests, you have diabetes.
Which symptoms would be seen in a client with type 1 diabetes who is experiencing hypoglycemia?Initial signs and symptoms of diabetic hypoglycemia include:. Looking pale (pallor). Shakiness.. Dizziness or lightheadedness.. Sweating.. Hunger or nausea.. An irregular or fast heartbeat.. Difficulty concentrating.. Feeling weak and having no energy (fatigue). Which characteristic is associated with type 1 diabetes?Type 1 diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly and may include: Feeling more thirsty than usual. Urinating a lot. Bed-wetting in children who have never wet the bed during the night.
Which information associated with type 1 diabetes disease management will the school nurse include in a teaching plan for an adolescent?Education topics must include insulin action, administration and dosage adjustment; blood glucose (BG) and ketone monitoring; sick-day management and prevention of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA); nutrition therapy; physical activity; and prevention, detection and treatment of hypoglycemia.
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