Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors.

Causes

The cause of T1DM is not completely understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. The body's immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas. This leads to little or no insulin production.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of T1DM include increased thirst, frequent urination, bed-wetting in children who previously didn't wet the bed, extreme hunger, unintended weight loss, irritability and other mood changes, fatigue and weakness, and blurred vision.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of T1DM is typically based on the presence of characteristic clinical symptoms and blood tests. These tests may include a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test, random blood sugar test, fasting blood sugar test, or an oral glucose tolerance test.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for T1DM. Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar levels with insulin, diet, and lifestyle to prevent complications. This includes regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, insulin therapy, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Complications

Long-term complications of T1DM can include heart and blood vessel disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney damage (nephropathy), eye damage, foot damage, skin and mouth conditions, and pregnancy complications.

Prevention

There is currently no known way to prevent T1DM. Ongoing research is investigating the potential for prevention strategies.

See also

• Diabetes mellitus
• Type 2 diabetes
• Insulin
• Pancreas