Diabetes - Type 1

Appointments

Diabetes - Type 1

Appointments

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

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