Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the pancreas—more specifically, cells that play a role in insulin production. This causes the body to stop making insulin and processing glucose. As a result, blood sugar levels remain chronically high, which increases the risk for nerve, eye, and kidney problems when this condition isn’t properly treated or managed.
This autoimmune disorder affects an estimated 1.6 million adults in the United States aged 20 and older, which represents about 5.7% of this population. Knowing type 1 diabetes symptoms and risk factors can help you determine whether it’s time to see your doctor for an evaluation and treatment.
Causes of Type 1 Diabetes
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but researchers suspect it may be caused by genetics and/or environmental factors. For instance, certain infections and viruses, such as human enteroviruses (HEV), have been linked to type 1 diabetes.
Other risk factors for type 1 diabetes include:
- Race (whites are generally at higher risk than other races)
- Genetics and a family history of type 1 diabetes
- Geographical location (this disease tends to be more common among people who live in cold climates far from the equator)
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes symptoms usually develop suddenly. However, it’s possible for symptoms to be so mild you may not notice them at first.
Common symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive hunger
- Frequent urination
- Extreme fatigue
- Loss of energy
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Unintentional weight loss
- Bedwetting (in children)
- Mood changes and irritability
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider right away if you are experiencing symptoms of type 1 diabetes. Early intervention and treatment can help you avoid related complications—including hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar caused by high insulin levels.
Diagnosing Type 1 Diabetes
A hemoglobin A1C test is the most common test used to diagnose type 1 diabetes. This test is performed as a normal blood test, during which your provider will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The A1C test shows your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two or more tests indicates that you have diabetes.
Your doctor may perform other blood tests to check your glucose tolerance and the amount of glucose you have in your plasma. The diagnostic tests used for type 1 diabetes are the same tests used for type 2 diabetes. If you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, your doctor will discuss all your available treatment options and work with you to manage your condition.
Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes
The goal of treatment for type 1 diabetes is to ensure you receive enough insulin to stay healthy and avoid complications associated with this condition. Given how your body cannot produce insulin, you may need life-long insulin therapy.
A variety of insulins are approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. These medications are available in the form of injections that can be given by syringe, pen, or pump. They are also available as short-acting, rapid-acting, immediate-acting, and long-acting formulas.
Your doctor can work with you to find the right insulin treatment based on your condition, lifestyle, and/or personal preference. For instance, if you have a busy lifestyle that requires you to spend lots of time away from home, your doctor may recommend long-acting insulin that provides coverage for nearly two days.
Metformin is another treatment option for people with type 1 diabetes who develop insulin resistance from the insulin treatments they use. This medication can cause your liver to produce less sugar which can help lower your blood sugar level.
You may also be prescribed medications for high cholesterol or high blood pressure if needed. Lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure and keeping these markers at a healthy range may help reduce your risk for heart disease, which is more common among people with diabetes.
When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you or your children are experiencing any signs or symptoms of type 1 diabetes or if you have this condition and are unable to control your blood sugar level. Your doctor can talk to you in more detail about your symptoms and help you find the best, most effective treatments.