Type 1 diabetes
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - E10
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas is attacked by the person’s own immune system. As a result, it produces little or no insulin, the hormone responsible for inserting glucose into cells. The lack of insulin causes blood sugar levels to rise.
Symptoms
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. Without treatment, weight loss and other complications may occur. The disease tends to appear in childhood.
Causes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks the pancreas cells that produce insulin. It usually appears during childhood and adolescence.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is clinical and should be made by physicians, especially endocrinologists. It is based on symptom evaluation and lab tests that detect high blood glucose levels and the presence of autoantibodies.
Prevention Method
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. However, adopting healthy habits such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity can reduce the risk of complications.
Treatment
Treatment for type 1 diabetes generally involves administering insulin doses to compensate for the hormone deficiency. Other medications, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity may also be part of the therapy.
Duration
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition.
Is it contagious?
Type 1 diabetes is not contagious.
Can it be contracted more than once?
Type 1 diabetes can only be diagnosed once, as it is a lifelong condition.