Overview of Type 1 Diabetes.

This disease is most frequently detected in adolescents or children. In the past, it was often referred to as childhood or juvenile diabetes.

However, it can occur in a person at any age.

People at highest risk of developing type 1 diabetes have a family history, possess certain genes, or have been exposed to certain viruses.

Viruses such as coxsackievirus, Epstein-Barr virus, the mumps virus, and cytomegalovirus can trigger an attack on the islet cells or the virus can directly infect these cells.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic illness that is a direct result of the pancreas's failure to produce sufficient amounts or no insulin at all. 

The hormone, insulin, is produced by the islet cells of the pancreas. Insulin is required to permit glucose to enter cells and create energy for the tissues and muscles.

Research has identified that, at some point, the immune system of a type 1 diabetic turns on itself and begins to invade and destroy the islet cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for insulin production. 

Scientists don't precisely know what causes the immune system to attack the cells, but they believe that genetic and environmental factors are a major contributor.

When the pancreas is functioning properly, insulin is secreted into the bloodstream, and it signals cells to let glucose enter.

This action reduces the amount of sugar in the blood. When the level of glucose in the blood decreases, the pancreas reduces the amount of insulin secreted.

The liver is responsible for storing and manufacturing glucose.

The liver of a non-diabetic converts stored glycogen back into glucose to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

This entire process is nonexistent in a type 1 diabetic and leads to an excessive build up of sugar in the bloodstream, causing life-threatening situations. 

 Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes often occur rapidly. Increased thirst and excessive urination are common indicators of type one diabetes.

This is a result of the body pulling fluid from the body’s tissue because of the build up of sugar in the blood.

The body will require additional hydration and the rise in fluid intake leads to increased urination.

Extreme hunger is experienced because the lack of insulin makes cells deprived of sugar.

Sugar deprivation causes the tissues, organs, and muscles to be energy deficient.

This signals a person to eat to try to increase energy needs. Rapid weight loss is also an indicator of this condition.

The muscles and fat stored in the body begin to shrink as a direct result of the energy deficit. Additionally, a person may experience a sudden onset of blurred vision and body fatigue.

Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes.

An A1C test, or glycated hemoglobin test, is the most accurate blood test used to determine if a person has diabetes.

This test collects a blood sample and calculates the average glucose level for the previous three months.

This test measures the glucose attached to hemoglobin, the red blood cells that transport oxygen.

 A1C results higher than 6.5 percent on two different tests indicates a person has diabetes.

A healthcare provider may request a fasting blood test or a random glucose blood test for people who have conditions that compromise the A1C test results, such as pregnancy or carriers of hemoglobin variant.

Additional blood tests are performed to analyze for the presence of auto antibodies common to type 1 diabetes. Additionally, if ketones are present in a urinalysis type 1 diabetes is likely.