Type 1 diabetes

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the body can no longer regulate blood glucose on its own. This happens because the body produces too little or no insulin, causing blood sugar levels to become too high.

Type 1 diabetes often begins in childhood, but it can also develop later in life.

GoOD TO KNOW

Excessive thirst and frequent urination are common signs of type 1 diabetes. If you suspect that you or your child may have diabetes, contact your general practitioner without delay.

The disease develops due to a malfunction in the immune system. It attacks the cells that produce insulin, causing them to stop working

The substances that go wrong in type 1 diabetes are glucose and insulin. Why are these important in the body?

Type 1 diabetes is different from type 2 diabetes. While they share some similarities, there are also significant differences.

Recognizing type 1 diabetes

There are several signs that may indicate Type 1 diabetes. Do you recognize any of the symptoms below in yourself or your child? If so, contact your general practitioner immediately. Often, just one drop of blood is enough to determine if blood sugar levels are too high.

SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES:

Excessive thirst and frequent urination — more than usual.
Unexplained weight loss — even though appetite remains normal and eating habits haven’t changed.
Feeling weak or experiencing muscle pain.
Extreme fatigue — less energy than usual or frequent drowsiness.
Blurred vision — difficulty seeing clearly.
Nausea or vomiting — feeling sick.

URGENT TREATMENT IS CRUCIAL

Type 1 diabetes can become dangerous very quickly, especially in children. It is important to recognize the disease early so that treatment can begin. Within four to eight hours, a child who seems only mildly ill can fall into a coma due to severe blood acidification.

This condition is called diabetic ketoacidosis, and it requires immediate medical attention.

If someone becomes unresponsive or shows signs of deterioration, call emergency services (112) immediately. Prompt medical care is essential.

Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis:

Extremely high blood sugar levels
Rapid breathing that does not slow down
Drowsiness or confusion, difficulty speaking or responding
Vomiting

WHAT HAPPENS DURING DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS?

In Type 1 diabetes, the body can no longer extract glucose from the blood. As a result, glucose remains in the bloodstream for too long. The body cannot convert it into energy because there is too little or no insulin.

This triggers the body to look for alternative energy sources, such as burning fat. During this process, ketones are released—substances that acidify the blood.

Severe acidification is known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

How does type 1 diabetes begin?

Type 1 diabetes develops when the immune system attacks cells in the body—specifically the beta cells in the pancreas. These beta cells are responsible for producing insulin. When the immune system damages them, they produce little or no insulin.

Insulin enables glucose in the blood to enter the body’s cells, providing the energy needed for essential functions. This energy allows muscle cells to move, brain cells to think, and immune cells to protect the body.

Without insulin, too little energy reaches the cells, and the body no longer functions as it should. This leads to symptoms that help identify Type 1 diabetes, such as frequent urination and excessive thirst.

Glucose and insulin

In Type 1 diabetes, two substances in the body play a crucial role: glucose and insulin. When there is too little insulin, too much glucose remains in the blood.

GLUCOSE: LET THE BODY WORK

Glucose is the fuel for all cells in the body. You get it from food. Every time you eat carbohydrates—like a slice of bread—your body converts them into glucose.

The glucose from carbohydrates enters your bloodstream. In someone without Type 1 diabetes, this glucose is absorbed by various cells in the body, providing the energy needed to stay active.

The body also ensures that there is always enough glucose in the blood, even when you're not eating. In such cases, it can produce glucose from other substances, such as fats and proteins.

Type 1 Diabetes: A Different Disease

Type 1 diabetes is not caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. It is a fundamentally different condition—an autoimmune disease. This distinction cannot be emphasized enough, as many people living with Type 1 diabetes face misconceptions. There is a common belief that lifestyle choices are to blame, but in reality, developing Type 1 diabetes is simply a matter of bad luck.

Although less common than Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 has a much greater impact on daily life. Moreover, the number of people diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the Netherlands is steadily increasing. Currently, around 100,000 people in the country live with this condition.

At Diabeter, we are dedicated to supporting them. Our team specializes exclusively in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes, because we believe that individuals living with this complex condition deserve care from professionals with 100% focus and expertise in managing it.

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

There are different types of diabetes. Type 1 and especially Type 2 diabetes are the most well-known. Most people develop Type 2 diabetes. Around 1.1 million people in the Netherlands live with Type 2 diabetes.

In Type 2 diabetes, the body still produces insulin, but the cells respond less effectively to its action. This type of diabetes often develops later in life and is commonly associated with overweight, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity.

For someone with Type 2 diabetes, insulin administration is not always necessary. Often, lifestyle changes—such as increased physical activity, healthy eating, and weight loss—can help manage blood sugar levels more effectively.

Medications can also improve the effectiveness of the body’s own insulin production. Unfortunately, this is not possible with Type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is not caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. It is actually a completely different disease—an autoimmune disorder. We cannot emphasize this enough, because many people with Type 1 diabetes face misunderstandings about the condition. The public often assumes that lifestyle choices are to blame for developing Type 1 diabetes. However, it is simply bad luck that someone gets Type 1 diabetes!

Type 1 diabetes is less common than Type 2 diabetes, but its impact on daily life is much greater. Moreover, the number of people diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the Netherlands is increasing. Currently, about 100,000 people in the Netherlands live with Type 1 diabetes.

At Diabeter, we are here for them, because we specialize in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes. We believe that people living with Type 1 diabetes deserve a care provider with 100% focus on this complex condition.