Diabetes mellitus type 1
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin is essential for allowing glucose (sugar) to enter body cells for energy, and without it, blood sugar levels rise dangerously high. This condition usually begins in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision. Because the body produces little or no insulin, people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to survive. Although it cannot be prevented or cured, careful blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy, healthy diet, and regular exercise allow individuals to live healthy, active lives and prevent serious complications affecting the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.