What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and kills the beta cells in the pancreas that make insulin.

We don’t yet know what causes type 1 diabetes.

However, genetics and environmental influences may be factors.

Type 1 diabetes generally develops in childhood or adolescence, but can develop in adulthood.

Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, given as daily insulin injections or via an insulin pump.

Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) is a slow progressing form of type 1 diabetes that can be managed in the early stages without insulin therapy.

Many people with LADA are misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown

What is known is that your immune system – which normally fights harmful bacteria or viruses – attacks and destroys your insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This leaves you with little or no insulin. Instead of being transported into your cells, glucose builds up in your bloodstream.

What are the Signs?

With type 1 diabetes, symptoms usually develop quickly and can be life-threatening

Symptoms for type 1 diabetes can include:

• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Sudden unexplained weight loss
• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constant hunger

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms talk to your doctor. A blood test with your GP can tell if you have diabetes or not. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed and managed the better your health will be.

The 4 T’s

A simple way to remember the four main symptoms of type 1 diabetes.

• Tiredness
• Toilet
• Thinner
• Thirsty

Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. If type 1 diabetes is not diagnosed early enough ketones can begin to develop in the body. When there is not enough insulin available, glucose is unable to get into the cells to be used for energy. Instead the body starts to breakdown fats for energy, this process produces ketones which are toxic if they build up in the blood. This is called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is very serious and needs to be treated urgently in hospital.

Symptoms of DKA:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Deep, fast breathing
• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness
• Fruity smelling breath

If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms seek medical attention immediately.