What is Type 1 diabetes?

Definition

Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed when someone’s body is unable to produce any insulin. This is because cells which produce insulin in the body have been destroyed.

Causes

Type 1 diabetes is caused by a fault in the immune system that is as yet unknown. The body’s immune system kills the beta cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. As more cells are targeted, the body can’t control blood glucose levels and diabetes symptoms appear.

The cause of the fault is unknown, but there is research to suggest that a combination of genetic predisposition and an environmental trigger, perhaps a virus, is responsible.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include an above average thirst, daytime tiredness, a need to urinate often, unexplained weight loss and genital itching. These are also common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes.