Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes and children statistics: The risk of developing type 1 diabetes is higher than virtually all other severe chronic diseases of childhood. Peak incidence occurs during puberty, around 10 to 12 years of age in girls, and around 12 to 14 years of age in boys. The symptoms for type 1 diabetes can resemble the flu in children. Type 1 diabetes tends to run in families. Brothers and sisters of children with type 1 diabetes have about a 10 percent chance of developing the disease by age 50. The identical twin of a person with type 1 diabetes has a 25 to 50 percent chance of developing type 1 diabetes.

The most common type of diabetes in children is type 1 diabetes. In fact, type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, according to the American Diabetes Association. It is estimated that one in every 400 to 600 children in the US develops type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes in the US.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes may also be known by a variety of other names, including:

• insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
• juvenile diabetes
• brittle diabetes
• sugar diabetes

There are two forms of type 1 diabetes:

• idiopathic type 1 - refers to rare forms of the disease with no known cause.
• immune-mediated diabetes - an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system destroys, or attempts to destroy, the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Immune-mediated diabetes is the most common form of type 1 diabetes and is generally referred to as type 1 diabetes.

What causes type 1 diabetes?

The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. However, it is believed that people inherit a tendency to develop diabetes, and that some outside trigger may be involved. Type 1 diabetes is the result of the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide fuel. This is the result of an autoimmune process in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells of the pancreas.

When glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood, depriving the cells of nutrition. People with type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections and regularly monitor their blood sugar levels.

What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes often appears suddenly. In children, type 1 diabetes symptoms may resemble flu symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms for type 1 diabetes. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Other symptoms may include:

• high levels of sugar in the blood when tested
• high levels of sugar in the urine when tested
• unusual thirst
• frequent urination
• extreme hunger but loss of weight
• blurred vision
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal pain
• extreme weakness and fatigue
• irritability and mood changes

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes may resemble other problems or medical conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

What can be expected with type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes may cause the following:

• hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, sometimes called an insulin reaction) - occurs when blood sugar drops too low.
• hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) - occurs when blood sugar is too high, and can be a sign that diabetes is not well controlled.
• ketoacidosis (diabetic coma) - loss of consciousness due to untreated or under-treated diabetes.

Complications that may result from type 1 diabetes include:

• heart disease
• kidney disease
• eye problems
• neuropathy (nerve problems) 
• foot problems

Treatment for type 1 diabetes:

Children with type 1 diabetes must have daily injections of insulin to keep the blood sugar level within normal ranges. Specific treatment for type 1 diabetes will be determined by your child's physician based on:

• your child's age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

• appropriate foods (to manage blood sugar level)
• exercise (to lower and help the body use blood sugar)
• regular blood testing (to check blood-sugar levels), as directed by your child's physician
• regular urine testing (to check ketone levels), as directed by your child's physician

Helping your child cope with type 1 diabetes:

Depending on your child's age, a type 1 diabetes diagnosis can be devastating. The younger child may not quite understand all the life changes that may occur because of the diagnosis, such as glucose monitoring and insulin injections. After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, children may feel:

• as if they are being punished.
• guilty.
• fearful of death.
• hostility toward the parent.

Although a child who is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes requires supervised medical care, a parent should avoid being overprotective. Through parental encouragement, self-care of the diabetes by the child, starting at the appropriate age, will foster improved self-esteem and independence.

The information on this Web page is provided for educational purposes. You understand and agree that this information is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. You agree that Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital is not making a diagnosis of your condition or a recommendation about the course of treatment for your particular circumstances through the use of this Web page. You agree to be solely responsible for your use of this Web page and the information contained on this page. Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and information providers shall not be liable for any damages you may suffer or cause through your use of this page even if advised of the possibility of such damages.