Topic
Type 1 diabetes
When the body’s defenders make a mistake and the insulin makers stop working.
7 articles in this topic
Type 1 diabetes: the complete journey
Type 1 diabetes is usually an autoimmune condition. The body’s defence system harms the beta cells, so less and less insulin is made.
4 minEasy readEstablished
Why Type 1 begins: autoimmunity
In Type 1, the immune system stops recognizing the insulin makers as “part of me”. Special antibodies can show this is happening.
2 minEasy readEstablished
The stages of Type 1 diabetes
Doctors describe Type 1 in stages, from the first immune signs to full diabetes. The stages describe biology, not a calendar.
2 minEasy readEstablished
Type 1 symptoms and the silent phase
Before symptoms, the body can cover for missing insulin. Later, high sugar causes thirst, lots of peeing, weight loss and tiredness.
2 minEasy readEstablished
Classifying Type 1: glucose, antibodies, and C-peptide
A blood test can confirm diabetes. Working out the type takes more clues: age, speed of onset, ketones, antibodies and C-peptide.
2 minEasy readEstablished
Living with insulin replacement
People with Type 1 need insulin from outside the body. Sensors and pumps can help, but education and a backup plan matter as well.
2 minEasy readEstablished
Type 1 disease modification: preserve, replace, protect
Scientists are working on three tasks for Type 1: save the cells that are left, replace the ones that are lost, and protect the new ones.
2 minEasy readPreliminary