World Leader in Pancreas Transplant and Islet Transplant

Pancreas Syndromes – Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes, Type 1

Type 1 diabetes was formerly called " juvenile onset diabetes” or insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but is most common in children and adults less than 30 years old. Until recently, when children had diabetes, it was type 1. Type 2 has become more common in recent years with the increase of obesity in adolescents.

Type 1 diabetes develops when the body does not make enough insulin. The pancreas gland makes insulin. The food we eat is broken down into sugar, also called glucose, and amino acids. The blood carries the sugar to the cells of the body for energy. Insulin helps move the sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. When the body does not make enough insulin, sugar builds up in the blood. Diabetes is diagnosed when too much sugar remains in the blood.

The disease process for Type 1 can take years to develop. Yet, the symptoms may develop very quickly, sometimes within days. Blood sugar levels may be very high before diabetic symptoms occur or diabetes is diagnosed. High blood sugar is called hyperglycemia. Some of the symptoms of hyperglycemia are:

• increased thirst and hunger
• frequent or increased urination
• fatigue or weakness
• blurry vision, or
• unplanned weight loss.

Diabetes is a lifelong disease. It must be continually controlled to delay or prevent problems. Some of the problems caused by diabetes are:

• heart and kidney disease
• blindness
• stroke
• nerve damage and amputation, or
• blood flow problems

It is very important for people with diabetes to work with their healthcare providers to keep their diabetes under control. The long-term effects of uncontrolled diabetes are permanent and may be disabling.

Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Diet and exercise are also important parts of keeping the blood sugar level in a normal range.

Your provider will recommend a diet. Ask to be referred to a registered dietician who can help work out a specific meal-planning guide. The goal of diabetes treatment is to bring the blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. This helps the person with diabetes feel better and prevent or delay the start of diabetes complications.

Blood sugar testing is an important part controlling diabetes. Often people with diabetes need to test their blood four times a day or more. Usually blood sugar is tested before meals and at bedtime. There are many types of machines that can be used to test a drop of blood at home. When ill, the blood sugar needs to be tested more often. The provider will recommend how often blood sugar should be checked. Sometimes it is necessary to check the urine for ketones.

Another blood test is the glycated hemoglobin or A1c (also known as Hga1c). Blood for this test is drawn in the provider's office. The A1c gives a picture of the average blood sugar control for the past 2 to 3 months. The American Diabetes Association recommends keeping the A1c below 7 percent.

For more information contact your local chapter of the American Diabetes Association, call the ADA national office at (800) 342-2383, or visit their website at www.diabetes.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

 HIL File DIAB4393.rf2 VRS# 4393 Data Version 6.0
Copyright 1999-2000, 2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.

More Information
To see more information, click here to see the Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation website.