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Diabetes Type 1 (T1D)
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
This group contains additional names: - Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 - LADA ( latent autoimmune diabetes in adults)
Sugar is in everything we eat, and every cell in our body needs it for energy. When we eat sugar, it moves from the digestive tract to the bloodstream. In order to get from the blood into the cells it needs a key- this key is insulin. If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not produce any insulin, or produces a very small amount. Due to the lack of insulin, the sugar does not enter the cells, and remains in your bloodstream causing high blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes (previously called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes) is usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, but it can develop at any age. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself by mistake and destroys the pancreas cells. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slowly progressing type of autoimmune diabetes, resembling type 1 diabetes. In LADA, similar to T1D, the pancreas does not make sufficient insulin. Unlike T1D, treatment with insulin is not needed at the beginning but rather in more advanced stages of the disease. LADA is also known as diabetes type 1.5, and it is typically diagnosed after the age of 30.
1,880 people with Diabetes Type 1 (T1D) are on Alike.
It can take months or years for enough pancreatic cells to be destroyed before symptoms of type 1 diabetes are noticed. The most common symptoms include excessive hunger and thirst, frequent urination (an urgency to pee), and tiredness. Other symptoms may include blurred vision and weight loss. Some may develop a complication of type 1 diabetes called ketoacidosis, with symptoms including: rapid breathing, fruity mouth odor, abdominal pain and dry skin and mouth.
You doctor will measure your blood sugar levels in one or more of the following tests: A1C test, Fasting blood sugar test, glucose tolerance test or random blood sugar test. If a diagnosis is made, your doctor may want to order further blood and urine tests, to check for diabetes complications.
successful treatment of diabetes consists of two important elements: 1. Measuring your blood sugar levels several times a day, making sure it is balanced 2. Insulin shots or pump, to replace your pancreatic activity, and keeping your blood sugar level balanced throughout the day Ask your doctor how often you should check your blood sugar levels and what your target levels should be. Keeping your blood sugar levels as close to the target as possible will help you prevent or delay diabetes-related complication.
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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