Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1

Definition

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to properly control blood sugar levels.

See also:

• Diabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes

Symptoms

Some people will have no symptoms before they are diagnosed with diabetes.

Others may notice these symptoms as the first signs of type 1 diabetes, or when the blood sugar is high:

• Feeling tired or fatigued
• Feeling hungry
• Being very thirsty
• Urinating more often
• Losing weight without trying
• Having blurry eyesight
• Losing the feeling or feeling tingling in your feet

For others, warning symptoms that they are becoming very sick may be the first signs of type 1 diabetes, or may happen when the blood sugar is very high (see: diabetic ketoacidosis):

• Deep, rapid breathing
• Dry skin and mouth
• Flushed face
• Fruity breath odor
• Nausea or vomiting, unable to keep down fluids
• Stomach pain

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can develop quickly in people with diabetes who are taking insulin. Symptoms typically appear when the blood sugar level falls below 70. Watch for:

• Headache
• Hunger
• Nervousness
• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Weakness

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