Diabetes - Type 1

Diabetes - Type 1

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Treatments
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is type 1 diabetes?

    Type 1 diabetes (also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus — IDDM — or juvenile diabetes) occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin because the cells that produce insulin have been destroyed by the immune system. Without insulin, sugar is not able to move into the cells. Sugar therefore remains in the blood, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).  Type 1 is the most common type of diabetes found in children and young adults. It is now believed that diabetes develops gradually, over many months or even years. The immune system destroys more and more insulin-producing (beta) cells in the pancreas over time, until the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is made. 

    Who is affected by type 1 diabetes?

    Type 1 diabetes is seen most often in children and young adults, although the disease can occur at any age. People with Type 1 disease are often thin to normal weight and often lose weight prior to diagnosis. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5-10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.

    Any combination of the following factors may put people at a higher risk for type 1 diabetes:

    • Self-allergy (autoimmunity): The immune system usually protects us from disease, but in the case of type 1 diabetes, the immune system turns against the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin (beta cells). If you have any type of autoimmune disease, your risk of developing diabetes increases. Doctors can test for diabetes antibodies, specifically one called GAD65. Measuring this antibody early in the disease can help your medical team determine if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
    • Genes: People with type 1 diabetes are more likely to have inherited genes putting them at risk.  Over 50% of those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes also have a close relative with the disease.

    Appointment Information

    To make an appointment with a clinician, call 734-647-5871.

    What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?

    Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes may include any combination of:

    • Frequent urination
    • Increased thirst
    • Increased appetite
    • Weight loss
    • Tiredness
    • Blurred vision
    • Nausea, vomiting, stomach ache

    How is type 1 diabetes treated?

    The goal of type 1 diabetes management is to keep your blood sugars as close to normal as possible. The primary treatment for type 1 diabetes is insulin injections, since the body is not making enough insulin to keep cells functioning normally. Components of diabetes care include:

    • Insulin therapy
    • Glucose monitoring
    • Meal planning
    • Physical activity
    • Screening for and treating complications

    Honeymoon period

    People with type 1 diabetes will need insulin for the rest of their lives; however, there is often a “honeymoon” period that occurs a short time after the diagnosis of diabetes. Once a person starts insulin injections, sugar production is turned off in the liver and some insulin is still being made in the remaining beta cells of the pancreas. The need for insulin decreases and blood sugars return to almost normal levels. People sometimes think they don't actually have diabetes, but that is not the case. This period may last a few weeks to a few years, but after the “honeymoon” period ends, the body will need more insulin.

    Locations
    • Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes Clinic | Domino's Farms 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr Ste 1300
      Lobby C
      Ann Arbor, MI 48105-9484       Get Directions
    • Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes Clinic | Livonia Health Center 20321 Farmington Rd
      Lobby C
      Livonia, MI 48152-1411       Get Directions
    • Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes Clinic | Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
      Floor 2
      Northville, MI 48168-9493       Get Directions
    • Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic | Canton Health Center 1051 N Canton Center Rd
      Lobby C
      Canton, MI 48187-5097       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Alison Holley Affinati, MD

    Alison Holley Affinati, MD, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    Nevin Nuray Ajluni, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    Michigan Photo

    Cristina Alvarado Nieves, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    Michigan Photo

    Lynn Phyuphyu Ang, MBBS

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    Richard Joseph Auchus, MD, PhD

    Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    Timothy William Bodnar, MD

    Timothy William Bodnar, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    David Tyler Broome, MD

    David Tyler Broome, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    Charles Francis Burant, MD PhD

    Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    Michigan Photo

    Eric Dale Buras, MD

    Assistant Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    Debbie Wan Hua Chen, MD

    Debbie Wan Hua Chen, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    Show All Doctors

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