Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas. These cells are responsible for producing insulin – the hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells to provide them with energy. Without insulin, sugar remains in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) and serious long-term organ damage.

Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes is not linked to lifestyle, weight, or diet and can develop at any age, although it is most commonly diagnosed in children and young people.

Causes and mechanism of development

The primary cause of the disease is an autoimmune process. The body stops recognizing its own cells in the pancreas and destroys them. Genetic predisposition plays a role, but often an external triggering factor, such as a viral infection, is needed to initiate the process. It is important to understand that currently there is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes.

Main symptoms

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually appear suddenly and develop quickly within a few weeks:

• Excessive thirst (polydipsia): The body attempts to dilute the high sugar in the blood.
• Frequent urination (polyuria): Especially at night, as the kidneys try to expel excess sugar.
• Rapid weight loss: Despite increased appetite, the body cannot process energy from food and starts breaking down muscles and fats.
• Constant fatigue and weakness: Cellular “starvation” for energy leads to exhaustion.
• Blurred vision and breath with a smell of acetone: These signs often indicate the onset of a complication.
• Treatment and management

Since the pancreas no longer produces insulin, people with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy. Insulin is administered via injections (pens) or through an insulin pump, which provides a constant flow of the hormone.

Modern management includes:

• Frequent monitoring: Regular blood sugar measurement using glucometers or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, which track levels in real-time through a sensor on the skin.
• Carbohydrate counting: Precise calculation of the amount of carbohydrates in food to determine the exact dose of insulin before each meal.
• Physical activity: It helps improve insulin sensitivity but requires careful planning to avoid a sudden drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Possible complications

With poor blood sugar control, the disease can lead to damage to small and large blood vessels. This increases the risk of kidney disease (nephropathy), vision loss (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and cardiovascular problems. One of the most dangerous acute conditions is diabetic ketoacidosis, which requires urgent medical attention.

Thanks to new technologies and medications, people with type 1 diabetes can now lead fully active and fulfilling lives, provided the disease is closely monitored.

 Synonyms: Insulin-dependent diabetes, Juvenile diabetes, Autoimmune diabetes, Complete insulin deficiency