Type 1 Diabetes is a life long condition resulting from the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to properly regulate blood sugar levels. As a result glucose builds in the blood stream rather than entering the cells to be used as energy. Hunger, fatigue and thirst result. The high levels of glucose in the blood also causes excessive urination. After several years the pancreas will stop producing insulin all together.

Type 1 Diabetes is usually associated with people under 30. It was previously known as Juvenile Diabetes. Between 5-10 % of all diabetics have Type 1 Diabetes.

The symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes are fatigue, increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and, in women, absence of menstruation.

When glucose is not available as an energy source, the body breaks down its fat stores instead. The by-products of fat metabolism are known as ketones. These ketones build up in the blood during fat metabolism and cause the urine to become very acidic. This condition is known as diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis often leads to an initial diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes.

The mainstay of treatment for Type 1 Diabetes is the administration of insulin. People with Type 1 Diabetes cannot make their own insulin and must take it every day. The insulin is injected under the skin using a syringe or an infusion pump. Injections are required between one and four times daily.

Diet is important for Type 1 Diabetics. The goal of meal planning is to choose foods that will work optimally with injected insulin to regulate blood glucose levels.

It is important that Type 1 Diabetics get regular exercise. Exercise helps control the amount of sugar in the blood as well as helping a person to remain within the target weight range for their age. Type 1 Diabetics should have any proposed exercise regime thoroughly checked by their medical professional.