1. Introduction
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that occurs when the body is unable to regulate blood sugar (glucose) effectively. While there are multiple forms of diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a unique condition that is primarily an autoimmune disease.
In this lecture, we will cover:
- What Type 1 Diabetes is
- The causes and risk factors of Type 1 Diabetes
- Common symptoms and warning signs
- The diagnosis process for Type 1 Diabetes
- Management strategies, including insulin therapy, lifestyle changes, and long-term care
By the end of this lecture, you will have a deep understanding of Type 1 Diabetes, how it develops, and how individuals with this condition can effectively manage their health.
2. What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce insulin, a hormone necessary for glucose regulation.
Since insulin is required to move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells for energy, the absence of insulin leads to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Without treatment, Type 1 Diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications.
2.1 Key Facts About Type 1 Diabetes
- Not caused by lifestyle factors – Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes is not related to diet, obesity, or physical inactivity.
- Requires lifelong insulin therapy – People with T1D must take insulin to survive because their pancreas can no longer produce it.
- Often diagnosed in childhood – Although Type 1 Diabetes is sometimes called juvenile diabetes, it can also develop in adults.
- Accounts for approximately 5-10% of all diabetes cases worldwide.
3. Causes and Risk Factors of Type 1 Diabetes
3.1 What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?
The exact cause of Type 1 Diabetes is not fully understood, but scientists believe it results from a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors.
- Autoimmune Reaction – The body’s immune system mistakenly destroys pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin. This process may start months or years before symptoms appear.
- Genetic Factors – Certain genes increase the risk of developing T1D, especially those related to the HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) complex, which regulates the immune system.
- Environmental Triggers – Viral infections (such as enteroviruses, coxsackievirus, and Epstein-Barr virus) may trigger an immune response that leads to beta-cell destruction.
3.2 Risk Factors for Type 1 Diabetes
While anyone can develop Type 1 Diabetes, certain factors increase the risk:
- Family history – Having a parent or sibling with T1D increases the risk.
- Ethnicity – T1D is more common in individuals of European descent than in African, Hispanic, or Asian populations.
- Geography – Countries with higher latitudes (e.g., Finland, Sweden, Norway) have higher rates of Type 1 Diabetes.
- Viral infections – Some infections may trigger autoimmune attacks on the pancreas.
4. Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes develops quickly, often within weeks or months. Common symptoms include:
4.1 Classic Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
- Frequent urination (Polyuria) – The kidneys work harder to remove excess sugar, leading to increased urination.
- Extreme thirst (Polydipsia) – Excessive fluid loss causes persistent thirst.
- Unexplained weight loss – Without insulin, the body breaks down muscle and fat for energy.
- Constant hunger (Polyphagia) – The body cannot use glucose properly, leading to excessive hunger.
- Fatigue and weakness – The body lacks the energy it needs from glucose.
- Blurred vision – High blood sugar can affect the eye’s lens, leading to vision problems.
4.2 Symptoms of Severe Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)
If Type 1 Diabetes is left untreated, it can lead to:
- Ketoacidosis – A life-threatening condition in which the body starts breaking down fat for energy, producing harmful ketones. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a fruity-smelling breath.
- Diabetic Coma – If blood sugar remains dangerously high, it can lead to unconsciousness or coma.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications.
5. Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes
If a doctor suspects Type 1 Diabetes, they will perform the following tests:
5.1 Common Diagnostic Tests
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test – Measures blood glucose levels after 8 hours of fasting. A level ≥126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) indicates diabetes.
- Random Blood Sugar Test – A blood sugar level ≥200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) at any time of the day suggests diabetes.
- Hemoglobin A1c Test (HbA1c) – Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. A result ≥6.5% confirms diabetes.
- C-Peptide Test – Measures insulin production. People with Type 1 Diabetes typically have very low or undetectable C-peptide levels.
- Autoantibody Tests – Detects antibodies that attack the pancreas (e.g., GAD antibodies, IA-2 antibodies). These are present in most people with T1D.
6. Management of Type 1 Diabetes
Since people with Type 1 Diabetes cannot produce insulin, lifelong management is necessary.
6.1 Insulin Therapy
There are different types of insulin:
- Rapid-acting insulin (works in minutes, lasts 2-4 hours)
- Short-acting insulin (takes effect in 30 minutes, lasts 4-6 hours)
- Intermediate-acting insulin (lasts 12-18 hours)
- Long-acting insulin (provides steady insulin levels for 24+ hours)
Insulin is delivered through:
- Injections (syringes or insulin pens)
- Insulin pumps (continuous insulin infusion)
- Artificial pancreas (Closed-loop insulin delivery system)
6.2 Lifestyle Modifications
- Healthy diet (low in refined sugars, high in fiber and protein)
- Regular exercise (improves insulin sensitivity)
- Blood sugar monitoring (using a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor)
- Stress management (stress hormones can affect blood sugar levels)
6.3 Managing Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) – Symptoms: shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion. Treatment: Consume fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., fruit juice, glucose tablets).
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) – Symptoms: excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue. Treatment: Adjust insulin dose, drink water, exercise moderately.
7. End of Lecture Quiz
1. What is the primary cause of Type 1 Diabetes?
A) Poor diet
B) Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
C) Lack of exercise
D) High cholesterol
Answer: B) Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
2. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of Type 1 Diabetes?
A) Frequent urination
B) Unexplained weight gain
C) Extreme thirst
D) Blurred vision
Answer: B) Unexplained weight gain
8. Online Resources for Further Learning
- American Diabetes Association (ADA) – https://www.diabetes.org
- JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) – https://www.jdrf.org
9. Summary & Key Takeaways
- Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys insulin-producing cells.
- It is not caused by diet or lifestyle.
- Symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, and fatigue.
- Lifelong insulin therapy is required to manage blood sugar levels.
