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Type 1 Diabetes
Our bodies need fuel for proper function. Glucose (sugar) is the fuel that our cells use to produce energy. In order to process the sugar we eat in various foods, our bodies produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by beta cells, clusters of cells in the pancreas (an organ located in the upper abdomen). In type 1 diabetes, the beta cells in the pancreas are unable to make insulin because of autoimmune disease. This means that the body's immune system makes autoantibodies that attack and destroy the pancreatic beta cells. Type 2 diabetes is the result of the body's inability to properly use the insulin made by the pancreas and almost always occurs in adults and children who are overweight. Because type 1 diabetes usually starts in childhood, it is sometimes called juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a serious illness that cannot be cured, but it can be treated and controlled. The September 26, 2007, issue of JAMA includes an article about children at risk for type 1 diabetes. This Patient Page is based on one previously published in the October 22/29, 2003, issue of JAMA.
CHARACTERISTICS OF UNTREATED TYPE 1 DIABETES
- Thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss
- Poor infant growth
- High blood glucose level
COMPLICATIONS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES
- Diabetic ketoacidosis—a life-threatening medical condition, also known as diabetic coma, caused by the body's need to break down fats for energy instead of using sugars
- Kidney failure
- Diabetic retinopathy—damage to the retina of the eye
- Gastroparesis—the stomach does not empty properly, allowing partially digested food to accumulate
- Diabetic neuropathy—loss of sensation and nerve control of body functions
- Increased occurrence of infections
- Poor circulation, especially in the feet and legs
- Coronary heart disease
MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 1 DIABETES
- Insulin injections or an insulin pump—oral medications do not work
- Diet
- Exercise
- Frequent checks of blood glucose levels
- Management of other medical problems including high blood pressure and coronary heart disease
- Screening for and early recognition of diabetes complications
- Kidney dialysis or transplantation for kidney failure
FOR MORE INFORMATION
INFORM YOURSELF
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A Patient Page on diabetes and the kidney was published in the June 25, 2003, issue; one on insulin was published in the May 7, 2003, issue; one on diabetes was published in the May 15, 2002, issue; one on type 2 diabetes in children was published in the September 26, 2001, issue; and one on managing type 2 diabetes was published in the January 12, 2000, issue.
Sources: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, American Diabetes Association
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 203/259-8724.
TOPIC: DIABETES
Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer;
Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator;
Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
JAMA. 2007;298:1472.
RELATED ARTICLE
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake and Islet Autoimmunity in Children at Increased Risk for Type 1 Diabetes
Jill M. Norris, Xiang Yin, Molly M. Lamb, Katherine Barriga, Jennifer Seifert, Michelle Hoffman, Heather D. Orton, Anna E. Barón, Michael Clare-Salzler, H. Peter Chase, Nancy J. Szabo, Henry Erlich, George S. Eisenbarth, and Marian Rewers
JAMA. 2007;298(12):1420-1428.
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