What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps turn the sugar in our blood into energy. Without insulin, blood sugar can build up in the bloodstream. High blood sugar is damaging to the body and can lead to long- term complications. Many things can effect your blood sugar and cause it to go high or low. These things include: food, physical activity, schedule changes, stress, altitude and even weather.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes your pancreas to no longer produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that causes insulin resistance and is typically developed later in life.

What are the symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes?

The initial symptoms of T1D often going unnoticed for a period of time before diagnosis because they can sometimes be attributed to different things. Some of the symptoms are:

• frequent urination

• extreme thirst

• weight loss

• extreme hunger

• blurry vision

• numb or tingling feet/hands

• lethargy

• dry skin

• slowly healing sores

• increased infections

What should I do if I think myself or a loved one might have Type 1 Diabetes?

If you think you or a loved one may have the symptoms of T1D you should call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

Undiagnosed T1D can cause serious consequences such as Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is when there isn’t enough insulin in your body to allow you to turn sugar in your blood into energy. When your blood sugar is too high and your insulin is too low you can end up very ill and often need to be admitted to the intensive care unit.