What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

Warning Sign: Unusual Thirst
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes tend to come on suddenly and may include:
Feeling more thirsty than usual
Dry mouth
Fruity breath
Frequent urination

Warning Sign: Weight Loss
As blood sugar levels remain high, type 1 diabetes often leads to:
Unintentional weight loss
Increase in appetite
Lack of energy, drowsiness

Warning Sign: Skin Problems
Many people with type 1 diabetes experience uncomfortable skin conditions, including:
Bacterial infections
Fungal infections
Itching, dry skin, poor circulation
Girls with type 1 diabetes are more likely to get genital yeast infections. Babies can develop candidiasis, a severe form of diaper rash caused by yeast that can easily spread from the

More Dangerous Signs

When blood sugars are not controlled, type 1 diabetes can cause more serious symptoms, such as:
Numbness or tingling in the feet
Blurred vision
Low blood sugar/hypoglycemia
Loss of consciousness
Some patients have no obvious warning signs before falling into a diabetic coma, which requires emergency treatment.

More Dangerous Signs: Ketoacidosis

Without treatment, type 1 diabetes deprives your cells of the sugar they need for energy. Your body starts burning fat for energy instead, which causes ketones to build up in the blood. These are acids that can poison the body. High levels of acid in your blood and the other abnormalities that result from the change in your blood's pH level may trigger a life-threatening coma known as diabetic ketoacidosis. This is an emergency that must be treated quickly and oftentimes in the hospital.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is not under attack and usually produces enough insulin. But for numerous reasons, the body doesn't use the insulin effectively. The symptoms of the two forms are similar, but usually come on more rapidly in people with type 1.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is not under attack and usually produces enough insulin. But for numerous reasons, the body doesn't use the insulin effectively. The symptoms of the two forms are similar, but usually come on more rapidly in people with type 1.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is not under attack and usually produces enough insulin. But for numerous reasons, the body doesn't use the insulin effectively. The symptoms of the two forms are similar, but usually come on more rapidly in people with type 1.

Diagnosing Type 1 Diabetes

Simple blood tests can diagnose diabetes. A fasting blood sugar test or a random blood sugar test (plus the presence of symptoms) can be used. An A1c test, which reveals average blood sugar levels for the past 2-3 months, can also be used. Tests should be repeated on two separate days to diagnose diabetes. A less convenient glucose tolerance test will also help determine whether you have diabetes. If you're diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, your doctor may be able to determine the type by checking for certain antibodies in the blood.

Long-Term Complications

Prolonged high blood sugar can damage many of the body's systems over time. People with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of:
Heart disease and stroke
Kidney failure
Vision problems and blindness
Gum disease and tooth loss
Nerve damage in the hands, feet, and organs