Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, previously called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, represents 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Children, teenagers, and young adults are the people who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes most often.

Insulin and type 1 diabetes

Insulin is a hormone made by beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin helps the body use sugar as fuel. The body constantly checks how much sugar is in the bloodstream. When blood sugar levels rise, the body tells the pancreas to release more insulin.

In type 1 diabetes, the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks beta cells, the special cells that produce insulin. Over a period of months or years, the beta cells stop working. This happens without symptoms or pain. With fewer beta cells, the pancreas cannot produce all the insulin that the body needs.

When there is not enough insulin, sugar in the blood cannot be used by the body as fuel. Instead, the sugar builds up in the blood. This can be harmful to the body in many ways and can lead to the symptoms of diabetes. This is when you may need diabetes medicines, such as NovoLog® with a long-acting insulin, to help control your blood sugar.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes may include

• Increased thirst and hunger
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Blurry vision
• Feeling very tired

People with type 1 diabetes may also have problems with

• Infections of the skin, gum, or bladder
• Scrapes or bruises healing slower than usual
• Tingling or numbness in the limbs

What causes type 1 diabetes?

It is not known exactly what causes the body's immune system to attack the beta cells. It is believed that family history, viruses, and environmental factors may be involved.

Type 1 diabetes treatment

Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes taking insulin regularly. Itʼs also important for people with this form of diabetes to choose the right foods and get plenty of exercise.

When you use an insulin like NovoLog® (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) and make healthy lifestyle choices, you are taking an active role in managing your blood sugar levels. Adding both exercise and good nutrition is also an important part of treatment.