Type 1 diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to properly control blood sugar levels.

See also:

• Diabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong disease for which there is not yet a cure. There are several forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is often called juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes. In this type of diabetes, cells of the pancreas produce little or no insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter body cells.

Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells. The body is unable to use this glucose for energy despite high levels in the bloodstream. This leads to increased hunger.

In addition, the high levels of glucose in the blood cause the patient to urinate more, which in turn causes excessive thirst. Within 5 to 10 years, the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas are completely destroyed and the body can not longer produce insulin.

Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it usually starts in people younger than 30. Symptoms are usually severe and occur rapidly.

The exact cause is unknown.

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Weight loss despite increased appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Absence of menstruation

The following tests can be used to diagnose diabetes:

• Urinalysis shows glucose and ketone bodies in the urine, but a blood test is required for diagnosis
• Fasting blood glucose is 126 mg/dL or higher
• Random (nonfasting) blood glucose exceeds 200 mg/dL (this must be confirmed with a fasting test)
• Insulin test (low or undetectable level of insulin)
• C-peptide test (low or undetectable level of the protein C-peptide, a by-product of insulin production)