MediConsult
Book
Home Health Library Type 1 Diabetes
Serious severity · Endocrinology

Type 1 Diabetes

Autoimmune insulin loss · Lifelong insulin therapy

The immune system destroys insulin-making beta cells. Insulin injections or a pump are required for life.

Find a Endocrinology doctor
At a glance
Prevalence
Most diagnosed before age 30
Typical age
Children and young adults
Outlook
Lifelong, well-controlled
System
Hormones
Reviewed by a verified Endocrinology doctor
What causes it

Causes

  • Autoimmune attack on pancreas beta cells
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Possible viral trigger
  • Family history of autoimmunity
How it feels

Symptoms & effects

  • Sudden weight loss
  • Extreme thirst and urination
  • Fruity-smelling breath (ketones)
  • Stomach pain and vomiting
  • Rapid breathing in DKA
How it’s treated

Treatment & cure

  • Multiple daily insulin injections or pump
  • Carb-counting at every meal
  • Continuous glucose monitor
  • Annual eye, kidney, foot review
  • Glucagon kit for emergencies
Staying ahead

Prevention

  • Not preventable, but DKA is
  • Carry sugar tablets always
  • Teach family how to use glucagon
  • Annual flu shot to prevent illness-driven DKA

Do’s

  • Carry insulin and sugar everywhere
  • Wear medical ID
  • Test sugar before driving
  • Inform school or workplace

Don’ts

  • Skip insulin even one dose
  • Drink alcohol on empty stomach
  • Exercise hard without checking sugar
  • Ignore vomiting — go to ER
See a doctor immediately if

Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.

Top specialists

Top 4 doctors for Type 1 Diabetes

Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.

See all endocrinology doctors
RA 1

Dr. Rangholiya Ankur

MD Medicine · 11 yrs

0 (0)
Sarthi hospital · 3 rd floor
Next slot By appointment · ₹5000
View Book
RS 2

Dr. Roshani Savaliya

MD Medicine · 7 yrs

0 (0)
new civil hospital surat · athwagate
Next slot By appointment · ₹1000
View Book
BS 3

Dr. Bhargav Sagar

MD Medicine · 6 yrs

0 (0)
P P Savani Hospital · Surat
Next slot By appointment · ₹800
View Book
PP 4

Dr. Piyush Patoliya

MD Medicine · 6 yrs

0 (0)
Vaghani Hospital and Prasutigruh · 4th Floor
Next slot By appointment · ₹800
View Book
Related conditions
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Low haemoglobin · Iron stores empty
Kidney Stones
Renal calculi · Severe flank pain
Type 2 Diabetes
High blood sugar · Insulin resistance
Disclaimer · This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment. Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.