What is Type 1 Diabetes?

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Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body cannot regulate blood sugar, making lifelong treatment essential. The disease often develops in children and young adults but can appear at any age.

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An Autoimmune Disease

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas. These cells produce insulin, a hormone that acts as the “key” allowing glucose to enter the body’s cells to be used as energy. Without insulin, blood sugar rises to dangerous levels, leading to both acute and long-term complications (1).

The disease differs from type 2 diabetes, where the body still produces insulin but cannot use it effectively. In type 1, however, insulin production is completely lost, which is why insulin must always be supplied from outside the body.

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes

The exact cause is still unknown, but research points to several interacting factors:

• Genetic vulnerability – certain genes increase the risk.

• Environmental factors – infections, especially viral ones, may trigger the disease in genetically predisposed individuals.

• Autoimmune reaction – the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells.

Unlike type 2 diabetes, lifestyle does not directly influence whether a person develops type 1 diabetes. It is not something that can be prevented with diet or exercise (2).

Who Gets Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes can affect anyone but is most common in children, teenagers, and young adults, which is why it is sometimes called “juvenile diabetes.” However, it can also develop later in life. Globally, the number of new cases is increasing, and researchers are trying to understand why (3).

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

The disease often develops quickly. Typical symptoms include:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue and lack of energy

• Blurred vision

• Nausea and stomach pain

In children and young people, the onset can be sudden. In some cases, the disease is first discovered when the child develops diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition requiring emergency care (4).

Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

Since the body can no longer produce insulin, lifelong treatment is necessary. Treatment usually includes:

• Insulin therapy – through injections or an insulin pump.

• Blood sugar monitoring – with test strips or continuous glucose sensors.

• Diet and exercise – balanced eating habits and regular physical activity help stabilize blood sugar.

In addition, patient education, support from healthcare professionals, and self-management skills are key to living a safe and active life with the disease.

Long-Term Complications

If blood sugar remains high over time, it can damage blood vessels and nerves. This increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, eye problems, and neuropathy. Careful treatment and regular check-ups are crucial to prevent complications.

Type 1 Diabetes and Increased Risk of Falls

An often-overlooked aspect is that type 1 diabetes can also increase the risk of falls:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) – may cause dizziness, shaking, weakness, and in severe cases, unconsciousness.

• Neuropathy – long-term nerve damage can reduce sensation in the feet and impair balance.

• Vision problems – prolonged high blood sugar can damage the retina, reducing vision.

• Muscle weakness – may develop as a result of long-term complications.

For older adults, this is especially serious as falls often lead to fractures and long recovery times. Preventive measures such as balance training, regular eye and nerve check-ups, and safety devices like fall alarms can significantly reduce risks (5).

Safety alarm with automatic fall alarm can increase safety for people with an increased risk of falling

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people who have an increased risk of falling. The personal alarm can automatically trigger the alarm in the event of a fall and then call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.