Excellent in Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when certain specialized parts of the pancreas, known as islet cells, are destroyed and no longer produce insulin. An adequate supply of insulin is very important, as it helps the body efficiently capture energy from the food we eat, and is necessary to the proper functioning of the body. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence (hence the term "juvenile diabetes"), and accounts for 10 percent of all diabetes cases in Canada.

Risk Factors
The causes of type 1 diabetes are largely unknown. Risk factors currently under study include exposure to cow's milk in infancy, and infections of various kinds.
SymptomsThe signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:

• frequent urination in large amounts,
• excessive thirst,
• unusual weight loss,
• fatigue,
• irritability,
• nausea and vomiting, and
• a particular odour to the breath (acetone or sweet).

Also, children with type 1 may not grow as well as other children of the same age. Although, most people with type 1 experience one or more of the above symptoms before seeing a physician, it is possible for altered consciousness (such as a coma) to be the first symptom of type 1 diabetes.

ManagingThough there is no cure for diabetes, the disease can be managed using a team approach involving family physicians and other service providers. Those with type 1 diabetes must depend on externally supplied insulin in the form of daily injections (by way of syringes and needles, injection pens, or insulin pumps). They also need to monitor their blood sugar at frequent intervals, and must learn how to adjust their insulin intake according to the amount they plan to eat and exercise. Visit Prevention & Management for more information. Also see diabetes and pregnancy.

New Research
There is, as yet, no cure for type 1 diabetes. But research is currently under way into the transplantation of insulin producing cells. In a successful transplant, these cells did produce insulin, eliminating the need for daily insulin injections. However, medication is still needed to suppress the reaction of the immune system to the newly transplanted cells. The transplant therapy remains experimental at present.