Type 1 Diabetes

Statistics of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of diagnosed cases of diabetes.
The risk of developing type 1 diabetes is higher than virtually all other severe chronic diseases of childhood.

Peak incidence occurs during puberty, around 10 to 12 years of age in girls, and 12 to 14 years of age in boys.

The symptoms for type 1 diabetes can mimic the flu in children.

Sources: National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, and the American Diabetes Association

What is type 1 diabetes?

There are two forms of type 1 diabetes:

• idiopathic type 1 diabetes - refers to rare forms of the disease with no known cause.
• immune-mediated diabetes - an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system destroys, or attempts to destroy, the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Immune-mediated diabetes is the most common form of type 1 diabetes, and the one generally referred to as type 1 diabetes. The information on this page refers to this form of type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes in the US. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, but can start at any age.

What causes type 1 diabetes?

The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is believed that genetic and environmental factors (possibly viruses) may be involved. The body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide energy.

When glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood and the body's cells literally starve to death. People with type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections and regularly monitor their blood sugar levels.

What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes often appears suddenly. The following are the most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes may resemble other conditions or medical problems.

Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Treatment for type 1 diabetes:

Specific treatment for type 1 diabetes will be determined by your physician. People with type 1 diabetes must have daily injections of insulin to keep their blood sugar level within normal ranges.

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The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

Related Topics:
Type 1 Diabetes
Forms of Diabetes

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