Around 10% of all people with diabetes have Type 1.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s defence system attacks the cells that produce insulin. As a result, the body produces very little or no insulin. The exact causes are not yet known but are linked to a combination of genetic predisposition (with or without a family history) and environmental factors. Some viral infections, this seems to include COVID-19, as well as environmental toxins have been implicated. These factors seem to trigger the immune system that is already programmed to incorrectly attack the insulin producing cells of the pancreas.
Type 1 diabetes can affect people at any age, but usually develops in children or young adults. Treatment includes daily injections of insulin to control blood glucose levels.
Symptoms
- Abnormal thirst and dry mouth
- Sudden weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Lack of energy, tiredness
- Constant hunger
- Blurred vision
- Bed-wetting
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