Type 1 diabetes is characterized by loss of the insulin-producing beta cells of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas.


Sensitivity and responsiveness to insulin are usually normal, especially in the early stages. This type comprises up to 10 percent of total cases in North America and Europe, though this varies by geographical location.


This type of diabetes can affect children or adults, but has traditionally been termed “juvenile diabetes” because it represents a majority of cases of diabetes affecting children.


The principal treatment of type 1 diabetes, even from the earliest stages, is replacement of insulin. Without insulin, ketosis and diabetic ketoacidosis can develop.


Since the first therapeutic use of insulin in 1921, diabetes has been a treatable but chronic condition, and the main risks to health are its characteristic long-term complications. These include cardiovascular disease, doubled risk; chronic renal failure, it is the main cause for dialysis in developed world adults; retinal damage that can lead to blindness and is the most significant cause of adult blindness in the non-elderly in the developed world; nerve damage; gangrene with risk of amputation of toes, feet and legs.


The complications are less common and less severe in people who have well-controlled blood sugar levels. In fact, the better the control the lower the risk of complications. Hence, patient education, understanding and participation is vital. Healthcare professionals who treat diabetes also address other health problems that may accelerate the deleterious effects of diabetes. These include smoking (abstain), elevated cholesterol levels (control with diet, exercise or medication), obesity (even modest weight loss can be beneficial), high blood pressure, and lack of regular exercise.


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