Type 1 diabetes, also called Juvenile diabetes, is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the pancreas does not or only minimally make insulin. A hormone called insulin is required for the body to use glucose, the primary source of energy for all of the body’s cells.

Genetics: The tendency of the illness to occur in families’ points to a genetic basis. The risk of getting type 1 diabetes may be increased by specific genes involved in the immune system and beta cell function.

Autoimmune disease: The immune system erroneously attacks and kills the pancreas’s insulin-producing cells.

Environmental factors: Rotaviruses and enterovirus exposure are two environmental factors that may raise the chance. Viral infections or other environmental factors may cause the autoimmune reaction, though the exact cause is unknown.

Within a matter of days or weeks, the signs may appear suddenly. These signs could include

• Excessive appetite and thirst
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Unexpected weight reduction
• Blurred images
• Easily irritated and changing moods
• Dry skin and mouth
• Nausea and diarrhoea

There is no known treatment accessible at the moment. As a consequence, people must use an insulin pump or administer insulin injections for the rest of their lives.

However, scientists are investigating several possible treatments for type 1 diabetes, such as

• Stem cell therapy: It looks at the possibility of regenerating insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Research on this is still in its early phases.
• Islet cell transplantation: Insulin-producing cells from a donated pancreas are transplanted into the patient.
• Immunotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to suppress the immune system and stop it from targeting the pancreatic cells that make insulin.

• A cardiovascular condition-Blood vessels can be harmed by high blood sugar levels, which raises the chance of heart disease and stroke.
• Kidney injury-Sugar levels that are too high can harm the kidneys and cause kidney illness or even kidney failure.
• Eye injury-Diabetic retinopathy can result in blindness or visual loss.
• Nerve injury-There is a chance of nerve damage, resulting in discomfort, tingling, and numbness in the hands and feet.
• Foot injury-Foot ulcers and infections can result in amputation due to nerve damage and weak circulation.