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Type 1 Diabetes in Adults: New Diagnosis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 29, 2024.

AMBULATORY CARE:

Type 1 diabetes

is a disease that affects how your body makes insulin and uses glucose (sugar). Normally, when the blood sugar level increases, the pancreas makes more insulin. Insulin helps move sugar out of the blood so it can be used for energy. Type 1 diabetes develops because the immune system destroys cells in the pancreas that make insulin. The pancreas cannot make enough insulin, so the blood sugar level continues to rise. A family history of type 1 diabetes may increase your risk. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin.

Pancreas

Signs and symptoms of uncontrolled type 1 diabetes:

Have someone call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

Seek care immediately if:

Call your doctor or diabetes care team if:

Diabetes education

will start right away. Diabetes education may also happen later to refresh your memory. Your diabetes care team may include physicians, nurse practitioners, community health providers, and physician assistants. It may also include nurses, dietitians, exercise specialists, pharmacists, dentists, and podiatrists. Family members, or others who are close to you, may also be part of the team. You and your team will make goals and plans to manage diabetes and other health problems. The plans and goals will be specific to your needs. Members of your diabetes care team will teach you the following:

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

Check your blood sugar level as directed:

Write down your results, and show them to your care team. Your team may make changes to your medicine, food, or exercise schedules.

If your blood sugar level is too low:

Your blood sugar level is too low if it goes below 70 mg/dL. If the level is too low, eat or drink 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate. These are found naturally in fruits. Fast-acting carbohydrates will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Examples of 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate are 4 ounces (½ cup) of fruit juice or 4 ounces of a regular soft drink. Other examples are 2 tablespoons of raisins or 3 to 4 glucose tablets. Check your blood sugar level 15 minutes later. If the level is still low (less than 100 mg/dL), eat another 15 grams of carbohydrate. When the level returns to 100 mg/dL, eat a snack or meal that contains carbohydrates. This will help prevent another drop in blood sugar. Always carefully follow your provider's instructions on how to treat low blood sugar levels.

Ways to Raise Your Blood Sugar

Other ways to help manage type 1 diabetes:

Follow up with your diabetes care team as directed:

You will need to return to have your blood sugar level checked. Your levels will let your care team know if your treatment plan is working for you. You will need to have your feet checked during at least 1 visit each year. You will need an eye exam 1 time each year to check for retinopathy. You will also need tests to check for kidney or heart disease, and high blood pressure. Talk to your care team if you cannot afford your medicine. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.