Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Type 1 diabetes is also characterized by the presence of certain autoantibodies against insulin or other components of the insulin-producing system such as glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), tyrosine phosphatase and/or islet cells.
At this time, there’s no cure for Type 1 diabetes. Treatment consists of infusing insulin with a syringe, insulin pen or insulin pump.
Learn about six common Type 1 diabetes symptoms below.
Glucose that is lost through urine removes calories from the body, leading to weight loss. Additionally, dehydration from high blood glucose levels can cause the loss of water weight.
