diabetes, type 1

diabetes, type 1 A chronic condition in which the pancreas makes too little insulin (or no insulin) because the beta cells in the pancreas have been destroyed by the immune system. The body is then not able to effectively use blood glucose (sugar) for energy. The disease tends to occur in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, but it may appear at any age. The symptoms and signs of type 1 diabetes are great thirst, hunger, a need to urinate often, and loss of weight. Fluctuations in blood glucose levels can lead to blurred vision. Extremely elevated glucose levels can lead to lethargy and coma. To treat the disease, the person must inject insulin, follow an appropriate diet, exercise daily, and test blood glucose several times daily. This type of diabetes used to be known as juvenile diabetes, juvenile-onset diabetes, and insulin-dependent diabetes. See also diabetes, type 2; diabetic neuropathy; diabetic retinopathy; diabetic coma; diabetic shock.