Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When sugar builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:

• Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
• Over time, high blood sugar levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

Finding out you have diabetes is scary. But don't panic! Sure, diabetes is serious. But people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives. You can too by taking good care of yourself.

Insulin - Why Don't I Have Enough?

The pancreas, an organ near your stomach, produces insulin. The pancreas contains cells called beta cells. Beta cells have a vital job: They make insulin, a hormone that helps cells take in the sugar they need.

Sometimes, the beta cells get wiped out and cannot produce insulin anymore.

Many things might have killed your beta cells, but in most people with Type 1 diabetes, the immune system makes a mistake. Cells that normally protect you from germs attack your beta cells instead. The beta cells die. Without beta cells, you make no insulin. Sugar builds up in your blood, and you get diabetes.

Taking Care Of Your Diabetes

Many people with Type 1 diabetes live long, healthy lives. The key is keeping your blood sugar levels within your target range, which can be done with meal planning, exercise and insulin. You will also need to check your blood sugar levels regularly. To check your blood sugar, you need a drop of blood. Place the drop on a special test strip. A device called a glucose meter tells how much glucose the drop of blood contains. Your health care provider will tell you how often to check your blood sugar level.

What Can Go Wrong

The best defense against complications is taking good care of your diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar levels near the normal range will make you feel better now. And it will help you stay healthy in the future. Read more about these possible complications in the sections on the left.