Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Videos

Diabetes Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Type 1 Diabetes: Living With the Disease - Topic Overview

Is this topic for you?

This topic provides information for teens and their parents and for adults who have type 1 diabetes. Before reading this topic, you may want to read Type 1 Diabetes: Recently Diagnosed.

If this topic does not answer your questions, see:

What is type 1 diabetes, and what is it like to live with the disease?

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease that develops when the pancreas stops making insulin. Your body needs insulin to let sugar (glucose) move from the blood into the body's cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later use.

Everyone experiences type 1 diabetes differently. But the treatment is the same. You need to take insulin, eat a balanced diet that spreads carbohydrate throughout the day, and exercise. Part of your daily routine also includes checking your blood sugar levels regularly, as advised by your doctor.

The goal is to keep your blood sugar in a target range. You and your doctor may decide to keep your blood sugar at a normal or near-normal level. This is called tight control. It is the best way to reduce your chance of having more problems from diabetes. These are called complications.

Taking care of your diabetes takes time and energy every day. It is a big part of your life. But it will help you feel better and may prevent, or at least delay, complications. If your teen has diabetes, tight control of blood sugar levels may help prevent complications from developing in early adulthood.

What symptoms do you need to watch for?

It’s important to watch for signs of low and high blood sugar:

  • Early symptoms of low blood sugar are sweating, weakness, shakiness, and hunger. But your symptoms may vary. After you have had diabetes for a long time, you may not notice these symptoms anymore. Low blood sugar happens quickly. You can get low blood sugar within 10 to 15 minutes after you exercise or take insulin without eating enough.
  • Early symptoms of high blood sugar are increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, and blurred vision. High blood sugar usually develops slowly over a few days or weeks.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 03, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Next Article:
webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Vinegar for Diabetes   Vinegar for Diabetes

48x48_vinegar_for_diabetes.jpg

Vinegar is in everything from coleslaw to pickles. What if you could actually use it to help prevent disease?

Watch Video: Vinegar for Diabetes (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: Pre-Diabetes   Pre-Diabetes

Show or hide information about video: Diabetes and Dental Health   Diabetes and Dental Health

Show or hide information about video: Diabetes Disaster(Part One)   Diabetes Disaster(Part One)

Show or hide information about video: Snacks for Diabetics   Snacks for Diabetics