Diabetes, Type 1

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system, which normally fights infection, mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the pancreas can no longer make insulin, a hormone essential for moving glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells for energy.  

Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels that can cause an array of symptoms that, left untreated, could lead to serious health complications like kidney failure, blindness, amputations, and a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.  

Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. Because people with type 1 diabetes cannot make insulin, they must take it daily, monitor their blood sugar regularly, and carefully manage their diet and activity levels to stay healthy. 

Causes and Risk Factors 

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but experts believe that genetic and environmental factors may trigger it. 

The main risk factors include: 

  • A family history of the condition, especially in a parent or sibling  
  • Certain inherited genes may increase your risk  
  • Exposure to certain viruses 

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes 

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes often appear suddenly and may include: 

  • Excessive thirst and frequent urination 
  • Unexplained weight loss despite increased hunger 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Extreme weakness and fatigue 
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet 
  • Sores that don’t heal 
  • Mood swings and Irritability  

In some cases, the first signs of type 1 diabetes is a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) – a medical emergency that can lead to coma or death if untreated. DKA occurs when the body, unable to use glucose, breaks down fats instead and as a result produces toxic ketones.  

The symptoms of DKA may include: 

  • Breath that smells fruity 
  • Nausea or vomiting 
  • Trouble breathing 
  • Dry or flushed skin 
  • Stomach pain 
  • Confusion  

If you or someone you know has these symptoms, seek medical help right away. 

 

Why Choose Cooper for Treat Type 1 Diabetes Care 

Cooper is home to South Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive team of diabetes specialists, including board-certified endocrinologists who also serve as faculty at Cooper Medical School at Rowan University. You can count on us for: 

  • Access to the latest, evidence-based treatments, including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems  
  • An American Diabetes Association (ADA)-recognized self-management and education program 
  • Shared medical appointments, where small groups of meet with their provider and other team members for follow-up care. These optional group visits offer:    
    • More time with your endocrinologist 
    • Counseling and support from additional members of your healthcare team (a nutritionist or health educator, for example) 
    • A chance to share experiences with others managing type 1 diabetes  
  • A multidisciplinary team approach to care, with streamlined access to expert cardiologists, nephrologists, eye specialists and others, as type 1 diabetes can affect multiple body systems 

Managing and Treating Type 1 Diabetes 

Successful management of type 1 diabetes focuses on keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range through regular monitoring, insulin therapy, healthy eating, and exercise. 

Blood sugar monitoring 

  • Regular checks using a glucose meter, which measures blood sugar levels from a small drop of blood  
  • Continuous glucose monitor (CGM), an electronic device that measures your blood sugar every few minutes using a sensor inserted under the skin 

Insulin therapy  
Because the body no longer produces insulin, those with type 1 diabetes need to take it every day. Options include: 

  • Injections (shots or pens), in which insulin is injected into the fat just below your skin several times a day, depending on your blood sugar levels and how often you eat 
  • Insulin pump, a device that delivers small, steady doses of insulin throughout the day through a thin tube placed under the skin 
  • Inhaled insulin, a fast-acting insulin option taken before meals 

Lifestyle support 

  • Healthy eating to help manage blood sugar and maintain a balanced diet 
  • Regular exercise to help the body use blood sugar efficiently 

Schedule an Appointment 

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Cooper diabetes expert, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).