Type 1 diabetes was formerly known as “juvenile diabetes” because it was usually seen in children and adolescents. Type 1 diabetes can also be seen in adults.
Many of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes are similar to those of type II diabetes, so it is sometimes difficult to tell which type of diabetes you have. It is important to understand the differences and to know what is going on so that you can get the most appropriate treatment.
Causes of type 1 diabetes
Doctors have not yet determined what factors contribute to type 1 diabetes. They believe that genes may be involved. Researchers are also working on what factors can cause the disease, such as diet or the virus you get.
What experts know for sure is that with type 1 diabetes, the immune system, the body’s defense against bacteria, is abnormal. It destroys the beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing a hormone called insulin.
Insulin allows glucose or other sugars to enter the cells and convert them into energy. However, with type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin. Glucose can build up in the blood and, over time, can lead to serious health problems.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes
If you have type 1 diabetes, your symptoms may be similar to those of someone with type II diabetes. The following symptoms may be present:
- Feeling extremely thirsty or hungry;
- Frequent urination;
- Feeling unusually tired or weak;
- Sudden weight loss;
- Blurred vision or other changes in vision;
- Vaginal candida infection;
- Fruity breath;
- Inability to breathe smoothly.
In some cases, type 1 diabetes can even make a person unconscious.
What types of adults are most at risk for type 1 diabetes?
People of any race can develop type 1 diabetes. If you have a parent or sibling with the disease, you may be at higher risk for developing it yourself.
How many tests can determine if you have diabetes?
It can be difficult to tell if you have type 1 diabetes as an adult, and there are many reasons for this.
First, symptoms last longer in adults than in children, which may make it more difficult for doctors to know exactly what is going on, especially if the doctor you see is not a diabetes specialist.
Another confusing factor when establishing a diagnosis is that many people with type 1 diabetes are thin or of normal weight. Doctors may rule out a diagnosis of diabetes because most people with type II diabetes are overweight.
Your doctor may recommend several tests that can determine if you have diabetes, although it may not be known whether it is type 1 or type II.
Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test
This test measures the average blood glucose level over 2 to 3 months. If the HbA1c level is 6.5% or higher on two separate tests, you have diabetes.
Random blood glucose test
This test measures blood glucose at a random time of day. 200 mg/dl or higher indicates diabetes.
Fast blood glucose test
This test is done in the morning before the person is tested and eats. If two separate tests show a blood glucose level of 126 mg/dl or higher, diabetes is indicated.
Other tests
In addition to these tests, your doctor may test for some of the common antibodies to type 1 diabetes in the blood, and perhaps check for ketone bodies or fat by-products in the urine, which, if present in the urine sample, suggest possible type 1 diabetes
Treatment
Because the body can no longer make insulin, it needs to treat itself with daily insulin injections, in addition to monitoring blood glucose levels.
Your doctor may encourage regular exercise. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and keeps blood glucose levels in a normal range.
The doctor will also work with the patient to develop a healthy, nutritious diet to help control blood sugar.