Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a disease that damages the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, meaning that the body can no longer produce insulin.

Type 1 diabetes is less common that type 2 diabetes, and the exact cause is unknown. Damage to the pancreas may be due to a number of reasons, such as a viral infection, however the most common cause is due to an autoimmune attack on the pancreas. The body’s immune system, which normally protects the body from infection, turns against itself, causing damage to the beta cells in the pancreas.

It is not possible to prevent type 1 diabetes. However, keeping the body’s blood sugar level as close to normal as possible will help to reduce the risk of further complications.

What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually appear before the age of 40 and should be investigated immediately by your doctor. A person with untreated type 1 diabetes develops symptoms such as:

• Increased thirst
• Tiredness
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Itchiness around the genitals, caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin
• Other infections on the skin (e.g. thrush, boils)