1.2 Outline key features of type 1 diabetes

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Outline key features of type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is a long-term medical condition that impacts how the body uses glucose, a type of sugar needed for energy. This type of diabetes may start suddenly and can affect people of any age, though it is most often diagnosed in children and young people. Understanding its features helps workers in health and social care support those affected effectively.

Autoimmune Condition

In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys special cells in the pancreas called beta cells. These cells are responsible for making insulin. Insulin is a hormone that lets glucose from food move from the blood into the cells, where it is used for energy. Without insulin, glucose stays in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Key autoimmune features:

• The immune system targets the beta cells
• This stops insulin production
• The beta cell loss is permanent
• Insulin injections or pumps are needed for treatment

This kind of autoimmunity sets type 1 diabetes apart from type 2 diabetes, where the issue is insulin resistance rather than lack of insulin.

Onset and Age of Development

Type 1 diabetes can start very quickly. Persons may go from normal health to severely unwell in just a few weeks.

Common age features:

• Most diagnoses happen in children and teenagers
• It can occur at any age, even in adults
• It is not caused by lifestyle choices

Type 1 diabetes used to be called juvenile diabetes because of its link to childhood onset.

Symptoms

Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood and cannot reach cells for energy. This causes a range of symptoms.

Some typical signs of type 1 diabetes include:

• Feeling very thirsty (polydipsia)
• Going to the toilet a lot, especially at night (polyuria)
• Losing weight without trying
• Feeling very tired
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections
• Young children may start wetting the bed again

If these symptoms are not treated, a serious and life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) may develop. This needs urgent medical help.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

One major risk with type 1 diabetes is diabetic ketoacidosis. When the body cannot use glucose, it starts breaking down fat for fuel. This process makes chemicals called ketones, which can turn the blood acidic.

Key features of DKA:

• High blood sugar and high levels of ketones
• Symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain, rapid breathing and confusion
• If untreated, DKA can lead to coma or death

DKA can be the first sign of diabetes in some people, especially if diagnosis is late.

Lifelong Condition

Once a person develops type 1 diabetes, they will have it for the rest of their life. The body does not recover beta cell function. Support and treatment are needed at all times to manage blood sugar and prevent complications.

Main points:

• There is no cure at present
• Insulin therapy will always be needed
• Regular blood glucose monitoring is required
• Choice of treatment approach may change over a lifetime

Treatment and Management

Because the pancreas no longer makes insulin, people with type 1 diabetes need to replace insulin every day.

Key treatment features:

• Daily insulin injections or use of a pump
• Frequent blood glucose checks, sometimes with a finger-prick test or a continuous glucose monitor
• Careful balancing of food, exercise, and insulin
• Counting carbohydrates to match insulin doses
• Educating about recognising high and low blood sugar signs

Access to up-to-date equipment and support from health professionals is vital to help manage these tasks safely.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

Maintaining blood sugar in a target range prevents both short-term and long-term health problems.

Ways to track blood sugar:

• Regular finger-prick tests for instant blood sugar readings
• Using a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) for more detailed tracking
• Keeping a record of readings to share with clinicians and adjust treatment

Knowing blood sugar levels at home helps people spot when levels are outside their safe range and take action.

Long-Term Complications

If type 1 diabetes is not managed well, high blood sugar over time can injure many parts of the body. This increases the risk of complications.

Common complications:

• Eye damage, called diabetic retinopathy
• Kidney damage, which could lead to failure
• Nerve injury, leading to problems with feet and hands
• Heart and blood vessel disease, including heart attacks and strokes
• Poor wound healing leading to risk of infections

People with type 1 diabetes need regular health checks and support to lower the risk of these long-term issues.

Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar)

A drop in blood sugar, known as hypoglycaemia, is a common risk in type 1 diabetes, especially during insulin treatment.

Features of hypoglycaemia:

• Can cause shakiness, sweating, hunger, irritability and confusion
• Severe episodes may lead to loss of consciousness or fits
• Happens if too much insulin is taken, meals are missed or after heavy exercise
• Treated with quick-acting sugar such as glucose tablets or fruit juice

Everyone with type 1 diabetes learns to spot and treat hypoglycaemia to avoid health emergencies.

Impact on Daily Life

Type 1 diabetes affects many parts of daily life, not just health. Managing insulin, monitoring blood sugar and planning for meals become part of the routine.

Effects include:

• Need for careful planning of meals, snacks and activities
• Regular medical appointments
• Explaining the condition to friends, schools or workplaces
• Carrying supplies such as insulin, snacks and glucose meters all the time
• Possible impacts on driving or certain employment

Children with type 1 diabetes may need extra support at school. Adults may need reasonable adjustments at work.

Emotional and Social Impact

Type 1 diabetes is not just a physical condition. The need for constant attention and possible health worries can affect mental wellbeing and social life.

This can mean:

• Feeling different or isolated from others
• Anxiety about blood sugar lows or highs
• Worry over long-term complications
• Family stress, especially for young children
• Needing emotional support or mental health care

Good teamwork with healthcare professionals and peer support can help deal with these feelings.

Myths and Misunderstandings

Confusion often exists between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is not caused by eating sugar or being overweight. It cannot be prevented.

Common myths to correct:

• It is not caused by poor lifestyle choices
• It is not contagious
• People of all weights and backgrounds can get type 1 diabetes
• No special diet or health fad can cure type 1 diabetes
• Regular insulin injections do not mean someone did something wrong

Clearing up these misunderstandings is key for reducing stigma.

Support Networks and Education

Lifelong education and support helps people live well with type 1 diabetes.

Helpful support features:

• Diabetes specialist nurses and doctors
• Dietitians
• Counselling and mental health help
• Diabetes education courses
• Peer support groups for people and families affected

Family members and friends can also benefit from learning more, so they know how to help in daily life or emergencies.

Genetic and Environmental Factors

Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes is not strongly linked to family history, but genes still play a part. The risk is higher for people with certain genetic markers, but most people with these markers will never develop the condition.

Potential triggers:

• Some infections or viruses in early life may play a role
• Many people diagnosed have no clear trigger

Researchers continue studying why some immune systems start attacking the pancreas.

Summary of Differences from Type 2 Diabetes

Key differences include:

• Insulin is missing, not just less effective
• Quick onset, usually at a young age
• Always needs insulin treatment
• Not linked to weight or lifestyle
• No cure or remission
• Risk of DKA is higher

Health and social care staff should be aware of these differences for safe and respectful care.

Final Thoughts

The features of type 1 diabetes shape every part of the care and support each person needs. Recognising the need for daily insulin, the quick onset and the risk of both high and low blood sugars helps you provide the right help at the right time.

Support goes beyond medication. Thoughtful, respectful care includes listening, offering emotional backing and working with the person and their family. Type 1 diabetes never takes a break. Your patience and understanding mean a great deal to those living with this challenging condition. Learning about its features enables better, safer care and leads to improved health and wellbeing.