Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas does not produce insulin. The cause of type 1 diabetes remains unknown. It is not preventable, and it is not caused by eating too much sugar. The body’s defense system may attack insulin-making cells by mistake.

If you have type 1 diabetes, glucose builds up in your blood instead of being used for energy. People are usually diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before the age of 30, most often during childhood or their teens.

The good news is that you can live a long and healthy life by keeping your blood glucose levels (the amount of sugar in your blood) in the target range set by your doctor.

Depending on your needs, your doctor or diabetes educators such as nurse, dietitian, endocrinologist and eye care specialist have many resources available to help you manage your diabetes. Over time, high blood glucose levels can cause complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney problems, nerve damage and erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, good diabetes care and management can prevent or delay the onset of these complications.

To help manage your diabetes and maintain your overall health and wellness follow these steps:

  • Monitor blood glucose (sugar) levels with appropriate testing and an A1C blood test every three months to measure the average amount of sugar in your blood
  • If you smoke, it’s never too late to quit
  • Be physically active
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Maintain a healthy cholesterol level
  • Control blood pressure
  • Examine feet and skin every day
  • Have an eye exam at least once a year
  • Have a kidney function test at least once a year
  • Visit your healthcare provider regularly