It's a New Day in Public Health.
The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Type 1 Diabetes
Contact the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This means the body can’t control blood sugar on its own. Without insulin, glucose can’t get into the cells, so it stays in the blood and makes blood sugar levels too high.
Type 1 diabetes is becoming more common. Approximately 1.45 million individuals in the U.S. have type 1 diabetes, and by 2040 is expected to increase to 2.1 million individuals.
Type 1 diabetes often starts in children and young adults, but it can happen at any age. Without management of high blood glucose levels, over time it can lead to other health conditions, such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney, eye, and dental disease
- Nerve damage and poor blood flow
- Foot sores and infections
- Depression
- Sleep apnea
Symptoms
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are serious and usually happen quickly, over a few days to weeks, and can include:
- Increased thirst or hunger
- Increased urination or bedwetting
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Irritability or behavioral changes
- Blurred vision
- Fruity-smelling breath
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Sometimes, the first signs of type 1 diabetes are symptoms of a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, when the body can't make enough insulin. Without insulin, the body starts using fat for energy. This causes acids called ketones to build up in the blood.
If not treated, this can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which is very dangerous. Ketones can build up to high levels and become a life-threatening condition, leading to coma or death. Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include:
- Dry or flushed skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble paying attention or feeling confused
Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis can become immediately life-threatening (signs of severe high blood sugar, dehydration, confusion, rapid breathing, or other concerning symptoms), so it is critical to seek emergency care right away.
Risk Factors
- Type 1 diabetes often starts in children and young adults, but it can happen at any age. It is most common in kids ages 4-6 and 10-14.
- Having a family member with type 1 diabetes increases the risk of developing the condition. Individuals with a parent, sibling, or child with the disease are more likely to be diagnosed, however many people with type 1 diabetes do not have a family history of the disease.
- Having an autoimmune condition, such as Hashimoto’s, Graves’, or celiac disease.
Early Screening
Early Screening is available. Studies indicate that measuring autoantibodies through a blood test can effectively identify those who will develop type 1 diabetes, potentially before the need for insulin. This is different than measuring blood sugar levels, which are only elevated in later stages of the disease.
With the presence or history of two or more autoantibodies, measurement of glucose levels can be used to identify the individual’s stage of type 1 diabetes.
Screening Test
The blood test can identify proteins that appear when type 1 diabetes begins, even in early stages before there are any symptoms. Two or more autoantibodies are a strong sign that the earliest stages of type 1 diabetes may have begun.
- Cell Cytoplasmic (ICA)
- Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)
- Insulin (IAA)
- Islet antigen-2 (IA-2)
- Zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8)
Understanding the early phase of type 1 diabetes allows individuals to work with their health care provider to monitor progress, and develop management, or treatment strategies.
Early Screening Options
Talk to your child’s health care provider about your concerns. They can refer you for testing resources.
Other free screening resources include:
- TrialNet offers screenings at various locations throughout the world. They also provide free home test kits for relatives of people with type 1 diabetes.
- ASK: Autoimmunity Screening for Kids provides free at-home screening test kits to detect type 1 diabetes.
Testing
A test called Glycated Hemoglobin (A1C) shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months. It provides a broader picture than a single blood sugar check. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher, confirmed by two separate tests, indicates a diagnosis of diabetes.
Treatment
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to stay healthy. Insulin can't be taken orally (stomach enzymes will break down the insulin), so injections or an insulin pump will be used.
In addition to insulin, making healthy lifestyle choices is important to managing the condition. Eating healthy food, monitoring blood sugar levels, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight help in managing the impacts of type 1 diabetes. The goal is to keep the blood sugar level as close to normal as possible to delay or prevent complications.
Prevention
Type 1 diabetes is not caused by diet or lifestyle choices. There are no known ways to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Eating healthy food, monitoring blood sugar levels, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight help in managing the impacts of type 1 diabetes.
Connect with DOH