In patients with a clinical picture suggestive of diabetes, the evaluation consists of a thorough personal and family history including a detailed assessment of risk factors. Furthermore, the comprehensive physical exam should focus on cardiovascular, neurologic, and foot findings. Another key component of the workup includes laboratory studies.

Whether the patient is stable or critically ill, a serum glucose test will provide the definitive diagnosis. In the outpatient setting, the fasting blood glucose test is obtained. In the emergency setting, a finger-stick glucose test is measured promptly followed by a serum level. Also, a urine dipstick may reveal glucose.

Criteria for diagnosis

In the outpatient setting, the workup will meet one of the following criteria: 1) fasting plasma glucose value of at least 126mg/dl, 2) HbA1C equal to or greater than 6.5%, 3) a random plasma glucose level of 200 mg/dL or above, or 4) 2 hour plasma glucose value of 200mg/dL or greater in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) [2].

Differentiation between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

These two are distinguished through autoantibody testing and the C-peptide assay.

DKA

Note that when DKA is suspected, this warrants additional labs for confirmation and management of the condition.

• Weight Loss

  Weight loss: Rapid weight loss over a short period. If these symptoms present themselves, immediate attention is needed. A simple blood glucose (finger prick) test by your GP can check for Type 1 diabetes. [diabetes.ie]

  Type 2 may be controlled by weight loss or with insulin and/or oral medicine. Signs of Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 usually comes on suddenly. [nationwidechildrens.org]

  […] or rapid weight loss ketonaemia >=3mmol/l on capillary testing or ketonuria family or personal history of other autoimmnune conditions failure to respond to oral therapy positive antibody test (anti-GAD, insulin autoantibodies (IAA) and islet cell antibodies [gpnotebook.com]

  Patients most often present with a few days or weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and weakness. Some patients may present with diabetic ketoacidosis. [us.bestpractice.bmj.com]

• Fatigue

  In addition, patients may complain of fatigue, weight loss and loss of muscle bulk. Type 1 diabetes can develop very quickly, over weeks or even days. [news-medical.net]

  High blood glucose levels which lead to: • Thirst and frequent urination • Urinary tract infections • High blood pressure • Fatigue • Neuropathy • May also have no symptoms or just mild thirst or repeated infections Nature of illness: Very different [diabetes.ie]

  Hypoglycemia symptoms can include: Shakiness Nervousness or anxiety Sweating, chills, or clamminess Irritability or impatience Dizziness and difficulty concentrating Hunger or nausea Blurred vision Weakness or fatigue Anger, stubbornness, or sadness For [cdc.gov]

  […] and Symptoms Signs and symptoms vary from person to person, but the following are common to many individuals with T1DM: Frequent thirst Frequent urination Extreme hunger Unintentional or unexplained weight loss Irritability or mood swings Weakness and fatigue [otcguide.net]

  Fatigue Irritability or unusual behavior Blurry vision (not a common symptom but can occur if the sugar is very high) If untreated, the following symptoms can occur that require immediate medical care: Nausea Vomiting Belly pain Rapid breathing and drowsiness [healthychildren.org]

• Weakness

  In addition, age has no influence on adiponectin levels. 3) Adiponectin levels are dependent on renal function at a creatinine clearance < 45 ml/min. 4) Regression analysis showed a significant, but only weak correlation between BMI and adiponectin in [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Patients most often present with a few days or weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and weakness. Some patients may present with diabetic ketoacidosis. [us.bestpractice.bmj.com]

  The symptoms of diabetes include: Increased thirst Increased hunger (especially after eating) Dry mouth Frequent urination Unexplained weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry) Weak, tired feeling Blurred vision Numbness or tingling in [my.clevelandclinic.org]

  Hypoglycemia symptoms can include: Shakiness Nervousness or anxiety Sweating, chills, or clamminess Irritability or impatience Dizziness and difficulty concentrating Hunger or nausea Blurred vision Weakness or fatigue Anger, stubbornness, or sadness For [cdc.gov]

  Signs and Symptoms Signs and symptoms vary from person to person, but the following are common to many individuals with T1DM: Frequent thirst Frequent urination Extreme hunger Unintentional or unexplained weight loss Irritability or mood swings Weakness [otcguide.net]

• Weight Gain

  Basic difficulties in achieving glycemic goals are maintenance of near-euglycemia and avoidance of hypoglycemia and significant weight gain. [nardus.mpn.gov.rs]

  A baby might have unusual weight gain before birth, trouble breathing at birth, or a higher risk of obesity and diabetes later in life. [webmd.com]

• Gangrene

  E10.52 Type 1 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathy with gangrene E10.59 Type 1 diabetes mellitus with other circulatory complications E10.6 Type 1 diabetes mellitus with other specified complications E10.61 Type 1 diabetes mellitus with [icd10data.com]

  Left untreated, a simple sore can lead to gangrene. Amputation may be necessary. Kidney disease (nephropathy) — High blood sugar can damage the kidneys. If blood sugar remains high, it can lead to kidney failure. [drugs.com]

  […] cramps Poor wound healing Pruritus Weight loss; a thin appearance is typical for type 1 diabetic patients Benign acanthosis nigricans Diabetes mellitus should be suspected in patients with recurrent cellulitis, candidiasis, dermatophyte infections, gangrene [amboss.com]

  Sometimes, minor foot injuries can lead to serious infection, ulcers, and even gangrene, necessitating surgical amputation of toes, feet, and other infected parts. [medicinenet.com]

  That in large vessels is usually seen in the coronary arteries, cerebral arteries, and arteries of the lower extremities and can eventually lead to myocardial infarction, stroke, or gangrene of the feet and legs. atherosclerosis is far more likely to [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

• Polydipsia

  Polydipsia is also a symptom of anticholinergic poisoning. [en.wikipedia.org]

  Patients most often present with a few days or weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and weakness. Some patients may present with diabetic ketoacidosis. [us.bestpractice.bmj.com]

  Diabetic Ketoacidosis also has polyuria, polydipsia, fruity death and neurological symptoms COMPLICATION OF DIABETES MELLITUS Diabetic patients who do no manage their glucose well may get diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy [youtube.com]

  Symptoms of type 1 diabetes mellitus There are three main symptoms of diabetes which include polydipsia (increased thirst), polyphagia (increased hunger) and polyuria (increased frequency of urination). [news-medical.net]

• Vomiting

  Less common symptoms: Lack of concentration Vomiting and abdominal pain Constipation Bedwetting Mood swings Frequent infections Itchy skin infections In children under the age of two, symptoms may not be immediately obvious. [diabetes.ie]

  […] or vagina Blurring of vision (caused by dryness of the eyes) Unexpected cramping Skin infections Emergency diabetes symptoms Seek urgent medical attention if diabetes symptoms combine with any of the following: A serious loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting [diabetes.co.uk]

  Nerve damage can also cause digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pagination [webmd.com]

  Fatigue Irritability or unusual behavior Blurry vision (not a common symptom but can occur if the sugar is very high) If untreated, the following symptoms can occur that require immediate medical care: Nausea Vomiting Belly pain Rapid breathing and drowsiness [healthychildren.org]

  If early symptoms of diabetes are missed and treatment isn't started, chemicals called ketones can build up in the blood and cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fruity-smelling breath, breathing problems, and even loss of consciousness. [kidshealth.org]

• Nausea

  Hypoglycemia symptoms can include: Shakiness Nervousness or anxiety Sweating, chills, or clamminess Irritability or impatience Dizziness and difficulty concentrating Hunger or nausea Blurred vision Weakness or fatigue Anger, stubbornness, or sadness For [cdc.gov]

  […] around the penis or vagina Blurring of vision (caused by dryness of the eyes) Unexpected cramping Skin infections Emergency diabetes symptoms Seek urgent medical attention if diabetes symptoms combine with any of the following: A serious loss of appetite Nausea [diabetes.co.uk]

  Fatigue Irritability or unusual behavior Blurry vision (not a common symptom but can occur if the sugar is very high) If untreated, the following symptoms can occur that require immediate medical care: Nausea Vomiting Belly pain Rapid breathing and drowsiness [healthychildren.org]

  Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Without prompt medical treatment, patients with diabetic ketoacidosis can rapidly go into shock, coma, and even death may result. [medicinenet.com]

  If early symptoms of diabetes are missed and treatment isn't started, chemicals called ketones can build up in the blood and cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fruity-smelling breath, breathing problems, and even loss of consciousness. [kidshealth.org]

• Abdominal Pain

  Less common symptoms: Lack of concentration Vomiting and abdominal pain Constipation Bedwetting Mood swings Frequent infections Itchy skin infections In children under the age of two, symptoms may not be immediately obvious. [diabetes.ie]

  There was also history of intermittent epigastric and right upper quadrant abdominal pain over several years and, more recently, these pains were associated with meal times and so she had decreased her food intake. [racgp.org.au]

  pain Weakness and fatigue Irritability and mood changes Serious diaper rash that does get better with treatment Fruity breath and fast breathing Yeast infection in girls The symptoms of type 1 diabetes can be like other health conditions. [urmc.rochester.edu]

• Diarrhea

  Zinc is also known to reduce symptoms of polydipsia by causing the body to absorb fluids more efficiently (reduction of diarrhea, induces constipation) and it causes the body to retain more sodium; thus a zinc deficiency can be a possible cause. [en.wikipedia.org]

  Damage to the nerves that affect the digestive system can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. For men, erectile dysfunction may be an issue. Kidney damage (nephropathy). [mayoclinic.org]

  Thirst usually controls a person’s rate of liquid intake, while urination removes most fluid, although people also lose fluid through sweating, breathing, or diarrhea. [niddk.nih.gov]

  Nerve damage can also cause digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pagination [webmd.com]

  Decrease in insulin demand: vomiting and diarrhea lead to decreased glucose uptake, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. [amboss.com]

• Hepatomegaly

  Hepatomegaly and elevated liver enzymes in patients with diabetes are commonly associated with fatty liver disease. However, physicians often forget about another intrinsic substance that can cause a similar clinical picture-glycogen. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Blurred Vision

  Recent Examples on the Web Some people also experience blurred vision as an early symptom of type 1 diabetes. — Korin Miller, SELF, "The Diabetes Symptom That Finally Helped Nick Jonas Get a Diagnosis," 19 Nov. 2018 People with type 1 diabetes, a disease [merriam-webster.com]

  Hypoglycemia symptoms can include: Shakiness Nervousness or anxiety Sweating, chills, or clamminess Irritability or impatience Dizziness and difficulty concentrating Hunger or nausea Blurred vision Weakness or fatigue Anger, stubbornness, or sadness For [cdc.gov]

  vision Cause/Common Triggers Although the exact cause of T1DM is unknown, researchers believe that autoimmune disorders or certain genetic conditions may increase an individual’s risk for developing the disease. [otcguide.net]

  Increased thirst Increased urination Constant hunger Weight loss Blurred vision Constantly feeling tired How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed and treated? Your doctor will use blood tests to diagnose diabetes. [hormone.org]

• Sweating

  Hypo symptoms Unsettled / feeling ‘off’ Hungry Sweating Dizzy... View Article Read More Signs and Symptoms – Type 1 Diabetes Knowing the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes is vital. [diabetes.ie]

  Hypoglycemia symptoms can include: Shakiness Nervousness or anxiety Sweating, chills, or clamminess Irritability or impatience Dizziness and difficulty concentrating Hunger or nausea Blurred vision Weakness or fatigue Anger, stubbornness, or sadness For [cdc.gov]

  Common early symptoms of low blood sugar include the following: Feeling weak Feeling dizzy Feeling hungry Trembling and feeling shaky Sweating Pounding heart Pale skin Feeling frightened or anxious Late symptoms of low blood sugar include: Feeling confused [my.clevelandclinic.org]

  Thirst usually controls a person’s rate of liquid intake, while urination removes most fluid, although people also lose fluid through sweating, breathing, or diarrhea. [niddk.nih.gov]

  Hypoglycemia can cause headache, dizziness, hunger, shaking, sweating, weakness, and agitation. Uncontrolled type 1 diabetes can lead to a life-threatening complication called diabetic ketoacidosis. Without insulin, cells cannot take in glucose. [ghr.nlm.nih.gov]

• Polyuria

  Diabetic Ketoacidosis also has polyuria, polydipsia, fruity death and neurological symptoms COMPLICATION OF DIABETES MELLITUS Diabetic patients who do no manage their glucose well may get diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy [youtube.com]

  One study from 2008 lays out a hypothesis that hyperglycaemic and osmotic polyuria play roles ultimately in diabetic nephropathy.[39] Diagnosis[edit] Among the possible tests to diagnose polyuria are:[4] Treatment[edit] Depending on the cause of the polyuria [en.wikipedia.org]

  Patients most often present with a few days or weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and weakness. Some patients may present with diabetic ketoacidosis. [us.bestpractice.bmj.com]

  Symptoms of type 1 diabetes mellitus There are three main symptoms of diabetes which include polydipsia (increased thirst), polyphagia (increased hunger) and polyuria (increased frequency of urination). [news-medical.net]

  […] antibodies Some NIDDM patients have autoantibodies but no other features of IDDM Usually chronic (years) Clinical disease when 90% of islet cells are destroyed Clinical features Onset at age < 20 years, normal weight (unlike most NIDDM) Characterized by PPP (polyuria [pathologyoutlines.com]

• Headache

  […] early symptoms of low blood sugar include the following: Feeling weak Feeling dizzy Feeling hungry Trembling and feeling shaky Sweating Pounding heart Pale skin Feeling frightened or anxious Late symptoms of low blood sugar include: Feeling confused Headache [my.clevelandclinic.org]

  Hypoglycemia can cause headache, dizziness, hunger, shaking, sweating, weakness, and agitation. Uncontrolled type 1 diabetes can lead to a life-threatening complication called diabetic ketoacidosis. Without insulin, cells cannot take in glucose. [ghr.nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms include: Weakness Dizziness Trembling Sudden sweating Headache Confusion Irritability Blurry or double vision Hypoglycemia can lead to coma if it is not corrected by eating or drinking carbohydrates. [drugs.com]

  ^ "Migraine Headache Clinical Presentation". Medscape.com. eMedicine. Retrieved 6 August 2015. ^ McKee, Mitchell Bebel Stargrove, Jonathan Treasure, Dwight L. (2008). [en.wikipedia.org]

  Hyperglycemia alone may not cause obvious symptoms, although some children report general malaise, headache, and weakness; children may also appear irritable and become ill-tempered. Glycosuria. [nurseslabs.com]

• Ataxia

  Progressive signs of ataxia in a eight years old girl prompted neurological investigation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Kearns-Sayre syndrome Sporadic systemic disease, with progressive external ophthalmoplegia, retinal dystrophy, heart block, cerebellar ataxia and elevated protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid. [scielo.br]

• Paresthesia

  […] in the hands and feet, and itching Cardiovascular MI, stoke Eyes Retinal damage, blindness Legs/feet Nonhealing ulcers, cuts leading to gangrene and amputation Kidneys HTN, renal failure Neurology Paresthesias, neuropathy Diagnosis Serum glucose above [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Manifestations include anxiety, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, sweating, palpitations, hunger, paresthesia, tremor, seizures, and coma. [uspharmacist.com]

In patients with a clinical picture suggestive of diabetes, the evaluation consists of a thorough personal and family history including a detailed assessment of risk factors. Furthermore, the comprehensive physical exam should focus on cardiovascular, neurologic, and foot findings. Another key component of the workup includes laboratory studies.

Whether the patient is stable or critically ill, a serum glucose test will provide the definitive diagnosis. In the outpatient setting, the fasting blood glucose test is obtained. In the emergency setting, a fingerstick glucose test is measured promptly followed by a serum level. Also, a urine dipstick may reveal glucose.

Criteria for diagnosis

In the outpatient setting, the workup will meet one of the following criteria: 1) fasting plasma glucose value of at least 126mg/dl, 2) HbA1C equal to or greater than 6.5%, 3) a random plasma glucose level of 200 mg/dL or above, or 4) 2 hour plasma glucose value of 200mg/dL or greater in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) [2].

Differentiation between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

These two are distinguished through autoantibody testing and the C-peptide assay.

DKA

Note that when DKA is suspected, this warrants additional labs for confirmation and management of the condition.

• Ketonuria

  […] and biochemical clues to differentiate type 1 from type 2 diabetes Factors favouring (but not indicative of) type 1 diabetes: rapid onset of osmotic symptoms normal or low body weight or rapid weight loss ketonaemia >=3mmol/l on capillary testing or ketonuria [gpnotebook.com]

  Glucosuria; they also may have ketonemia and/or ketonuria. HGB A1c represents glucose control over previous 8-12 weeks. 6.5% or higher is diagnostic of DM. [smartypance.com]

  […] population Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[1][2] Polyuria (increased urination) Polydipsia (increased thirst) Polyphagia (Increased appetite)~ Glycosuria (glucose in urine) Weight loss despite polyphagia~ Hyperglycemia (increased blood glucose) Ketonuria [physio-pedia.com]

  Urine: glycosuria (sugar in the urine) and ketonuria (ketones, a fat breakdown product) may be increased in diabetes mellitus. Urea and electrolytes: changes in these values may reflect possible dehydration. [healthengine.com.au]

  If the blood glucose level is elevated or ketonuria is present, a fasting blood sugar is performed; an FBS result of 200 mg/dl or higher almost certainly is diagnostic for diabetes when other signs are present. Lipid profile. [nurseslabs.com]

• Hyperglycemia

  Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders of carbohydrate metabolism in which glucose is underutilized, resulting in hyperglycemia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Pathophysiology: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is a syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency resulting from the loss of beta cells in pancreatic islets (Mapes & Faulds, 2014). [u.osu.edu]

  The dehydration impairs the ability to excrete glucose and acids, worsening the hyperglycemia and acidemia. The worsening hyperglycemia increases the osmotic diuresis, setting up a cycle of worsening dehydration and worsening hyperglycemia. [cancertherapyadvisor.com]

  Clinical Manifestations The most easily recognized symptoms of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are secondary to hyperglycemia, glycosuria, and DKA. Hyperglycemia. [nurseslabs.com]

  Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to absolute insulin deficiency. Patients most often present with a few days or weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and weakness. [us.bestpractice.bmj.com]

• Hypoglycemia

  The main concern is hypoglycemia, which can cause sudden incapacitation. Efforts to reduce the glucose levels and long-term complications increase the frequency of hypoglycemia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  It is also useful for patients with recurrent asymptomatic hypoglycemia (i.e., hypoglycemia unawareness).9,11 In 14 randomized, controlled clinical trials, rt-CGM has led to a greater reduction in A1C and shorter durations of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia [uspharmacist.com]

  […] treatment of hypoglycemia.) [cancertherapyadvisor.com]

• Glucose Increased

  glucose levels declined, suggesting the patient was sensitive to insulin but did not make enough of it, or glucose increased, suggesting the patient was making insulin but was resistant to it. [ccjm.org]

The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner the initiation of treatment and hopefully the better the short-term and long-term outcomes. Management of these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach best achieved with a medical team consisting of an internist, nephrologist, neurologist, podiatrist, ophthalmologist, diabetic educator, and nutritionist.

Glycemic control

Insulin replacement is the mainstay therapy. There are different types of insulin analogs, which are categorized according to the duration of action. The rapid-acting are typically injected prior to eating and work for a short amount of time. The other main classes include the short-acting type, which can last up to 8 hours and the long-acting form that may last up to a day or more.

There are a variety of insulin analogs in each category that offers a diversified profile of duration, time of onset, and strength. Hence, the clinician can tailor the regimen for each patient with a combination of these preparations.

The patients should meet with a diabetic nurse who will educate them on how to monitor their glucose levels and adjust their insulin levels accordingly. Patients are also taught to match their levels to the food they consume and the exercise they perform.
Note that some patients may be eligible for different therapies. One of these options utilizes an insulin pump, in which the hormone is continuously injected into the blood through a needle placed beneath the skin. The rate of the pump is managed by the patient. Other alternatives include islet cell transplantation or even pancreas transplantation.

Other

A healthy diet is a fundamental component in glycemic control. This can be achieved with the help of a dietician, who will educate the patients and their family members on appropriate meal planning and further details.

Other important factors are physical exercise and smoking cessation.

Complications

Patients with severe complications such as cardiovascular events, renal failure, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy will require treatment and management, typically through consultation with specialists in those areas.

Also, DKA is aggressively managed in the emergency setting with the implementation of specific protocol.

Surveillance

Patients with type 1 diabetes should follow up closely with their physician to ensure good glycemic control. Additionally, they should be surveyed for various complications such as the following [2]:

• Glycemic control: HbA1C levels should be obtained at certain intervals
• Cardiovascular disease: blood pressure screening at every visit
• Nephropathy: annual creatinine measurement and possibly other tests as well
• Retinopathy: ophthalmic exam within 5 years of diagnosis, followed by annual evaluations
• Foot care: thorough inspection for ulcers
• Dyslipidemia: fasting lipid panel annually

Note that the clinician should consult with the diabetic guidelines that provide comprehensive recommendations for all screening.

The prognosis of type I diabetes is based on how well managed the glucose levels are. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes are at marked risk for kidney failure, blindness, myocardial infarction, stroke, and foot amputations. Hence, strict glucose management may reduce the development of microvascular and macrovascular complications in insulin-deficient patients [11]. Moreover, the American Diabetes Association advises nonpregnant patients to achieve and maintain an HbA1c value of less than 7%.

The predominant cause of mortality and morbidity is cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, DKA is a life-threatening condition that occurs in untreated individuals.

Note that there are massive healthcare costs associated with type 1 diabetes in the United States, which is estimated to be $14.4 billion annually due to medical bills and lost income [12].

Standard risk factors

There are risk factors associated with type I diabetes, which include 1) body mass index equal to or greater than 25kg/m2, 2) having a first degree relative with this disease, 3) Hispanic, African, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander race or ethnicity, 4) history of cardiovascular disease, 5) women with previous gestational diabetes, 6) hypertension, 7) abnormal lipid profile, 8) females with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), 8) having conditions linked to insulin resistance, and 9) inadequate physical activity [2].

Other risk factors

The cause of this disease is likely multifactorial. Predisposed individuals may develop the disease in conjunction with environmental interplay. For example, congenital rubella syndrome and human enteroviruses are highly linked to type 1 diabetes [3].

Dietary factors such as vitamin D supplementation in infants could be protective [4] but it is not known whether cow's milk or other dietary modifications elevate the risk of developing the disorder [5].

Additionally, there are particular human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene polymorphisms that are associated with increased risk or protection from type I diabetes mellitus [5]. Moreover, celiac disease and type I diabetes both share the HLA-DQ2 genotype as the former is frequently observed in cases of type 1 diabetes and vice versa [6].

Type I diabetes is implicated in 5% to 10% of diabetics. While the actual number of affected individuals worldwide has not been established, researchers estimate that almost 80,000 children develop type 1 diabetes annually [7].

United States

The annual incidence ranges from 8 to 17 cases per population of 100,000. Additionally, there are approximately 1 to 3 million types 1 diabetics [8].

International

The incidence of this disease depends on the geographical location. For example, it occurs more in Europeans as opposed to Asians. Specifically, the Scandinavian region exhibits a yearly incidence of 35 cases per population of 100,000 while this value is 1 individual per 100,000 in China and Japan. Furthermore, children in Finland are at 40 times greater risk to develop type 1 diabetes that those in Japan.

Autoimmune process

Type I diabetes arises from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells in predisposed individuals. A majority of patients possess autoantibodies to at least one of the following: 1) insulin, 2) glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), and 3) islet autoantigen-2 (IA-2) [9].

The subclinical phase lasts for months to years and appears as insulitis or inflammation of the beta cells. Furthermore, hyperglycemia emerges when 80% to 90% of pancreatic beta cells have become damaged.

Type I diabetics may have insulin resistance as well, although this is not a pathogenic mechanism in this form of diabetes.

Metabolic dysfunction

Type I diabetics cannot use the glucose available in the adipose tissues and muscles. Regulatory feedback mechanisms cause the release of glucagon, growth hormone, cortisol, and epinephrine, all of which play a role in hepatic gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, and ketogenesis. Hence, these patients develop elevated glucose levels and anion gap metabolic acidosis.

Complications

Chronic hyperglycemia produces microvascular and macrovascular diseases. The former includes peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy while the latter is comprised of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease.

The vascular manifestations result from the effects of long-term hyperglycemia on protein glycosylation, sorbitol synthesis, and free radical production. Elevated serum sugar levels also promote the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) deposition into the arterial wall, which then undergoes inflammation and results in the development of atheroma [10].

Since the risk factors for type 1 diabetes have been studied thoroughly, this gave rise to the Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 (DPT-1) and European Nicotinamide Diabetes Intervention Trial (ENDIT). However, the results have not been promising.

The DPT-1 study in the United States demonstrated that parenteral insulin did not delay or prevent the development of the disease in patients at risk.

The ENDIT investigation, nicotinamide also failed to delay or prevent type 1 diabetes in individuals with family history.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease that targets the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Diabetes affects multiple organs and systems. In fact, untreated cases lead to severe complications particularly in the progression of the disease. For example, acute events include the potentially fatal diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Long-term manifestations encompass cardiovascular disease and events, renal failure, peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, and foot ulcers.

There are risk factors that are predictive of this disease. Ffamily history, certain races and ethnic backgrounds, as well as physical inactivity are some examples. Furthermore, there may be genetic and environmental factors that play a role in the development of the disease. Additionally, the prevalence of type I diabetes varies according to the country and region.

DKA may be the initial presentation of this autoimmune disease. In others, there are the classic symptoms of polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia [1]. Early diagnosis and treatment are paramount to the overall well-being of the individual and the prevention of complications.

Treatment consists of the lifelong replacement of the deficient hormone, insulin. Since type 1 diabetes is a complicated and chronic multisystem disorder, consultation with specialists is paramount. Very importantly, the therapeutic goals include glycemic control, prevention or delaying of complications, and management of these sequelae.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the body destroys the pancreatic cells that are responsible for making insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows the cells of the body to remove sugar from the blood, and use it for energy. Since the body cannot make enough insulin, patients with this disease will have very high sugar levels in the blood.
The symptoms may develop rapidly. Patients experience the following:

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Increased urination
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Rapid weight loss in a short amount of time
• Hunger
• Neurologic problems such as numbness or no sensation in the feet

Some patients become very ill and develop the life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. If not treated, they will fall into a coma and possibly die. Symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid breathing rate
• Dry mouth and skin
• Fruity breath smell

The main treatment is insulin since the body cannot produce it on its own. This medication is typically self-administered through an injection. Another option is the insulin pump, which can directly release insulin from a device through the bloodstream.

There are different types of insulin medications depending on how quickly and how long they act in the body. The doctor and the patient can develop a regimen together using a combination of these types.

Note that diet and exercise are very important to control the glucose levels and allow the patient to remain healthy. A nutritionist will help the patient develop diabetic friendly meal plans. Also, a diabetic nurse will educate the patient on how to monitor the sugar levels and how to adjust the insulin doses according to what they eat and how they exercise. Also, note that smokers are strongly urged to quit.

The patients should be educated regarding how poor control of sugar levels will cause severe complications such as heart disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, damage to the nerves, skin infections, blindness, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, etc. Therefore, patients should follow up with the medical team to manage their sugar levels and prevent these from occurring.

1. Cooke DW, Plotnick L. Type 1 diabetes mellitus in pediatrics. Pediatric Review. 2008; 29(11): 374–84; quiz 385.
2. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2011. Diabetes Care. 2011;34(Suppl 1):S11-S61. doi:10.2337/dc11-S011.
3. Devendra D, Liu E, Eisenbarth GS. Type 1 diabetes: recent developments. British Medical Journal. 2004;328(7442):750-754.
4. Hypponen E, Laara E, Reunanen A, et al. Intake of vitamin D and risk of type 1 diabetes: a birth-cohort study. Lancet. 2001;358(9292):1500-1503.
5. Fronczak CM, Barón AE, Chase HP, et al. In utero dietary exposures and risk of islet autoimmunity in children. Diabetes Care. 2003;26(12):3237-3242.
6. Ludvigsson JF, Ludvigsson J, Ekbom A, et al. Celiac disease and risk of subsequent type 1 diabetes: a general population cohort study of children and adolescents. Diabetes Care. 2006;29(11):2483-2488.
7. Chiang, JL, Kirkman MS, Laffel, LMB, Peters AL . Type 1 Diabetes Through the Life Span: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care. 2014;37(7):2034-54.
8. Niskanen L, Tuomi T, Karjalainen J, et al. GAD antibodies in NIDDM. Ten-year follow-up from the diagnosis. Diabetes Care. 1995;18(12):1557-1565.
9. Ziegler AG, Hummel M, Schenker M, et al. Autoantibody appearance and risk for development of childhood diabetes in offspring of parents with type 1 diabetes: the 2-year analysis of the German BABYDIAB study. Diabetes. 1999;48(3):460-468.
10. Garg R, Chaudhuri A, Munschauer F, et al. Hyperglycemia, insulin, and acute ischemic stroke: a mechanistic justification for a trial of insulin infusion therapy. Stroke. 2006;37(1):267-273.
11. Nathan DM, Cleary PA, Backlund JY, et al. Intensive diabetes treatment and cardiovascular disease in patients with type 1 diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;353(25):2643-2653.
12. Tao B, Pietropaolo M, Atkinson M, Schatz D, Taylor D. Estimating the cost of type 1 diabetes in the U.S.: a propensity score matching method. Public Library of Science. 2010; 5(7):e11501.