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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.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Most diagnosed before age 30
- Typical age
- Children and young adults
- Outlook
- Lifelong, well-controlled
- System
- Hormones
Reviewed by a practising 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
See all endocrinology doctors Top 4 doctors for Type 1 Diabetes
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
BZ
2
VS
3
SK
4
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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.