Type 1 Diabetes Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ

Type 1 diabetes (T1D), previously called juvenile diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. In T1D, the body does not produce insulin, a hormone needed to carry glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into the cells. Insulin is not produced because the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells from the pancreas called beta cells.

People with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin, a hormone that helps carry glucose (sugar) from the blood into the body’s cells for energy. T1D is an autoimmune disorder in which the pancreas produces little to no insulin. Insulin injections are needed to control blood sugar in T1D.

Early warning signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Dry mouth
• Itchy skin
• Increased hunger
• Unexpected weight loss
• Slow healing wounds
• Yeast infections

Balancing insulin, exercise, and food is important with type 1 diabetes. People with T1D need to learn how different activities and foods affect their insulin levels so they can plan ahead and keep blood glucose levels within normal ranges.

Type 1 diabetes destroys the insulin-producing beta cells made in the pancreas, but it does not affect the pancreas itself. T1D can affect many organs in the body, particularly when blood sugar levels are not well-managed over time. Complications may develop slowly over time, and don’t appear until many years into the disease. Parts of the body that may be damaged from type 1 diabetes include:

• Kidneys
• Eyes
• Nerves
• Blood vessels
• Heart

People with diabetes are prone to infections, including bacterial and fungal infections, especially of the skin. Bacterial infections may include styes, boils, folliculitis (infection of hair follicles), and nail infections. Candida causes many fungal infections in T1D patients such as jock itch, athlete's foot, ringworm, and vaginal yeast infection. Good skin care and hygiene is important if you have T1D to reduce the chances of infections. If you think you have an infection, contact your doctor.

Diabetes insipidus is a rare disorder in which the kidneys are unable to conserve water. Symptoms include excessive thirst and frequent urination. Though it is called diabetes, it is unrelated to diabetes mellitus (which includes types 1 and 2) where blood glucose levels are elevated. People with diabetes insipidus have normal glucose levels, but the kidneys do not function properly and are unable to keep the balance of fluids in the body.