Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder caused by the body’s inability to produce insulin, a hormone necessary to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This causes a severe lack of insulin and the body is unable to regulate its blood sugar levels. Without insulin, glucose accumulates in the blood and can cause a variety of serious health problems. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is believed to involve genetic and environmental factors. It is more common in people who have a family history of the disorder and those who have certain viral infections. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children, teenagers, and young adults, but it can occur at any age. The main symptoms of type 1 diabetes are increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, and unexplained weight loss. Other symptoms may include fatigue, blurry vision, and slow-healing sores. If left untreated, type 1 diabetes can cause serious complications, such as kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, and vision loss.