Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes mellitus is a complex condition of the metabolism that generally appears at a young age (although getting diagnosed as an adult is not impossible), leading to the body’s inability to produce insulin, an essential hormone for the management of blood sugar levels. If not treated, type 1 diabetes can be deadly.1
Causes 2
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys beta cells of the pancreas, responsible for the production of insulin. The exact reasons for this metabolic issue are not entirely understood, but it is largely admitted that genetic and environmental factors are likely to be triggers.
Symptoms 3
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes may appear progressively or suddenly, at various intensities and frequency. All symptoms are not felt, but in case of frequent apparition of the following symptoms, please refer to a doctor as soon as possible:
1 World Health Organization. 2023. Type 1 Diabetes mellitus. ICD-11. https://icd.who.int/en/
2 JDRF. 2023. Causes of Type 1 Diabetes. JDRF. https://www.jdrf.org/t1d-resources/about/causes/
3 JDRF. 2024. Early symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. https://www.jdrf.org/t1d-resources/about/symptoms/
Diagnostic
The diagnostic of type 1 diabetes is based on the symptoms and blood tests done in laboratory that reveal blood sugar levels considerably above normal. Blood sugar level above 7 mmol/L on an empty stomach or above 10 mmol/L after eating is often associated with diabetes.4
Treatment and Management 5
The main treatment of type 1 diabetes is the insulin therapy, administered through various methods. The goal is to maintain blood sugar levels as close as possible to normal. A regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, a balanced diet, and physical activity are also essential parts of the treatment.
The treatment may take various forms, although access to some might be complicated, while others are still in developmental phase.
4 Diabète Québec. (2024). Le diagnostic du diabète de type 1. https://www.diabete.qc.ca/le- diabete/informations-sur-le-diabete/diabete-de-type-1/
5 JDRF. (2023). Type 1 Diabetes Treatments and Therapies. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. https://www.jdrf.org/t1d-resources/about/treatment/
6 Fédération Française des Diabétiques. (2023). La Mesure du Glucose en continu. Fédération Française des Diabétiques. https://www.federationdesdiabetiques.org/information/glycemie/mesure-du-glucose-%20en-continu
Diagnostic
The diagnostic of type 1 diabetes is based on the symptoms and blood tests done in laboratory that reveal blood sugar levels considerably above normal. Blood sugar level above 7 mmol/L on an empty stomach or above 10 mmol/L after eating is often associated with diabetes.4
Treatment and Management 5
The main treatment of type 1 diabetes is the insulin therapy, administered through various methods. The goal is to maintain blood sugar levels as close as possible to normal. A regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, a balanced diet, and physical activity are also essential parts of the treatment.
The treatment may take various forms, although access to some might be complicated, while others are still in developmental phase.
4 Diabète Québec. (2024). Le diagnostic du diabète de type 1. https://www.diabete.qc.ca/le- diabete/informations-sur-le-diabete/diabete-de-type-1/
5 JDRF. (2023). Type 1 Diabetes Treatments and Therapies. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. https://www.jdrf.org/t1d-resources/about/treatment/
6 Fédération Française des Diabétiques. (2023). La Mesure du Glucose en continu. Fédération Française des Diabétiques.
Complications
If type 1 diabetes is not properly managed, it can lead to serious complications such as cardiac issues, kidney failure, troubled vision (or vision loss), neuropathies, or circulatory problems. All these complications are due to dangerously high levels of blood sugar. A regular medical follow-up is important to prevent these complications.
Prevention
Given that the exact cause(s) of type 1 diabetes remains to be determined, the disease can’t be prevented. However, an early awareness of symptoms, a fast diagnosis, and an appropriate management can contribute significantly to prevent risks and complications, as well as improving the life of the people suffering from it.
Complications
If type 1 diabetes is not properly managed, it can lead to serious complications such as cardiac issues, kidney failure, troubled vision (or vision loss), neuropathies, or circulatory problems. All these complications are due to dangerously high levels of blood sugar. A regular medical follow-up is important to prevent these complications.
Prevention
Given that the exact cause(s) of type 1 diabetes remains to be determined, the disease can’t be prevented. However, an early awareness of symptoms, a fast diagnosis, and an appropriate management can contribute significantly to prevent risks and complications, as well as improving the life of the people suffering from it.