Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body cannot produce insulin—a hormone that enables cells to absorb, use or store glucose (blood sugar), the body’s key energy source.

In the absence of insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, where it can damage the vessels and eventually cause problems such as heart disease, kidney disease and blindness.

The diabetes team at IU Health provides expertise to help you maintain the best possible control of Type 1 diabetes with the goal of preventing short- and long-term health problems.

Type 1 diabetes most often develops in children or young adults, but it can occur at any age. Previously known as juvenile diabetes, the condition accounts for about five percent of diabetes cases.

The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes remains unknown, but research shows it may be an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Once diagnosed, Type 1 diabetes does not go away. You manage it with a combination of insulin and lifestyle changes.

Overview

Type 1 diabetes most often develops in children or young adults, but it can occur at any age. Previously known as juvenile diabetes, the condition accounts for about five percent of diabetes cases.

The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes remains unknown, but research shows it may be an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Once diagnosed, Type 1 diabetes does not go away. You manage it with a combination of insulin and lifestyle changes.

Diabetes professionals at IU Health provide individualized care tailored to your specific needs. Certified diabetes educators will assist you in choosing a healthy lifestyle and recommend a personalized treatment plan for you.

They provide the highest level of diabetes education so that you know how to succeed at managing this condition. Your team will empower you to participate fully in your care and make the right decisions for you.

Managing a chronic illness can cause stress at times. Counseling and psychological services play a role on your team’s comprehensive approach to care.

IU Health physicians partner with the Indiana University School of Medicine to maintain the highest level of expertise and use the most up-to-date technology in managing your Type 1 diabetes. They have access to the latest findings in diabetes care and conduct scientific research to identify effective new treatment strategies.

Your treatment plan may include:

Insulin therapy. You need daily insulin treatment to manage Type 1 diabetes. This therapy replaces your body’s natural insulin and keeps your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Unmanaged insulin levels could result in ketoacidosis, or a diabetic coma. Insulin treatment may take different forms including long-, short- and intermediate-acting types. Methods for administering insulin include syringes, insulin pens and insulin pumps.
Diabetes education. Diabetes professionals at IU Health will help you develop the knowledge and skills to manage your specific needs and achieve the best possible control of Type 1 diabetes.
Technology. Your diabetes team will use advanced technology whenever possible to help you achieve the best possible glucose control. This includes the latest methods for monitoring your blood sugar, such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). This system uses a sensor to monitor blood sugar levels in real time. Another emerging technology, sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy, combines CGM with an insulin pump. Web-based data management can also improve communications with your team.

Treatment

Diabetes professionals at IU Health provide individualized care tailored to your specific needs. Certified diabetes educators will assist you in choosing a healthy lifestyle and recommend a personalized treatment plan for you.

They provide the highest level of diabetes education so that you know how to succeed at managing this condition. Your team will empower you to participate fully in your care and make the right decisions for you.

Managing a chronic illness can cause stress at times. Counseling and psychological services play a role on your team’s comprehensive approach to care.

IU Health physicians partner with the Indiana University School of Medicine to maintain the highest level of expertise and use the most up-to-date technology in managing your Type 1 diabetes. They have access to the latest findings in diabetes care and conduct scientific research to identify effective new treatment strategies.

Your treatment plan may include:

Insulin therapy. You need daily insulin treatment to manage Type 1 diabetes. This therapy replaces your body’s natural insulin and keeps your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Unmanaged insulin levels could result in ketoacidosis, or a diabetic coma. Insulin treatment may take different forms including long-, short- and intermediate-acting types. Methods for administering insulin include syringes, insulin pens and insulin pumps.
Diabetes education. Diabetes professionals at IU Health will help you develop the knowledge and skills to manage your specific needs and achieve the best possible control of Type 1 diabetes.
Technology. Your diabetes team will use advanced technology whenever possible to help you achieve the best possible glucose control. This includes the latest methods for monitoring your blood sugar, such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). This system uses a sensor to monitor blood sugar levels in real time. Another emerging technology, sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy, combines CGM with an insulin pump. Web-based data management can also improve communications with your team.