Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin making cells in the pancreas. T1DM develops when the pancreas is unable to make insulin. Insulin is an important hormone that allows glucose to enter cells to provide a source of energy for the body.
The exact cause of T1DM is still unknown. Patients will develop T1DM if they have genes for T1DM and are exposed to triggers such as viral illness.
Type 1 diabetes commonly develops in children and young adults but can occur at any age. About 15% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes are type 1 and there are >130,000 people with T1DM in Australia. 1
Common symptoms of high glucose include:
Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs in type 1 diabetes and develops when there is not enough insulin in the body and glucose is unable to enter cells. As a consequence the body breaks down fat for an alternate energy source. This in turn produces ketones which are toxic in high levels. This condition requires urgent medical attention. Symptoms of DKA include: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, deep fast breathing, fruity smelling breath and drowsiness.
The treatment of type 1 diabetes includes: insulin replacement (either injections or insulin pump), monitoring blood glucose levels and balancing insulin doses with carbohydrate intake and physical activity. Type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented or cured but there is ongoing research in this area.
Useful links
https://www.bakeridi.edu.au/health_fact_sheets/
1 https://www.diabetesvic.org.au