November is known for many things: fall leaves, cooler temperatures, football, and Thanksgiving. If you live with or have a loved one with diabetes, you may also recognize November as National Diabetes Awareness Month.

Throughout the month, an extra emphasis is put on educating the general population on all things diabetes.

This article will highlight all things type 1 diabetes (T1D) related in hopes to raise awareness for this special month.

What is T1D?

T1D is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the human body cannot turn food into energy, therefore people living with T1D must take insulin by injection or insulin pump to survive. T1D can be diagnosed at any age, though it is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. T1D only accounts for roughly 10 percent of all new diabetes diagnoses.

T1D by the Numbers

There are nearly 9 million people living with T1D around the world. It is one of the fastest growing, noncommunicable, chronic health conditions on the planet.

• In the United States, there are approximately 20,000 people under the age of 20 diagnosed with T1D each year.
• In the United States, there are approximately 40,000 people over the age of 20 diagnosed with T1D each year.
• In the United States, there are more than 170,000 people under the age of 20 currently living with T1D.
• In the United States, there are more than 1.3 million people over the age of 20 currently living with T1D.

What are warning signs of T1D?

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst and dry mouth
• Increased appetite
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vision changes
• The onset of symptoms can be sudden, especially in very young children. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your medical provider immediately.

Diagnosing T1D

Most of the time, a T1D diagnosis happens suddenly and unexpectedly. Since T1D mimics symptoms of common illnesses, such as the flu, it often goes undetected until the person is very ill or in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

When T1D is suspected, the following tests may be ordered to confirm diagnosis:

• Random blood-glucose test
• Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test
• Ketone test
• Autoantibody testing

Causes of T1D

There currently is not one cause that can be pinpointed to T1D, however research is ongoing. Things we know about the onset of T1D:

• Genes and family history can increase the likelihood of someone developing T1D. If you have an immediate family member with T1D, you are 15 times more likely than the general population to be diagnosed with T1D.
• Environmental triggers: Researchers believe that environmental factors, such as certain viruses, may target beta cells, and as the body’s immune response tries to combat these viruses, it may mistakenly attack and damage the beta cells.
• Immune Response: Once T1D is triggered, the body starts attacking the beta cells, which produce insulin. This attack can be detected through biochemical signs called autoantibodies, which appear well before any symptoms of T1D are observed.

Treatment of T1D

Insulin is the only medication a person with T1D can take to manage their disease. Insulin is, quite frankly, their life support. Without insulin, a person with T1D will develop DKA, which can be fatal. Insulin can be taken via syringe, pen, or pump. The way a person takes their insulin is their choice.

People living with T1D must also monitor their blood sugars numerous times a day either by doing finger sticks or wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

In addition, those with T1D must count the number of carbohydrates (in grams) they consume with each meal and snack to determine how much insulin they need to administer.

Seem like a lot? Those living with T1D must also be prepared for any circumstance, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), at any time. This requires them to carry supplies, such as their insulin, testing supplies, juice boxes or candy, glucagon, ketone strips, and insulin pump supplies (if applicable), with them always. T1D is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week job. A recent study showed that people living with T1D make 120 more decisions a day compared to those without T1D.

Screening for T1D

Knowing if you or your loved one has early stage T1D can give you time to plan. Living with T1D means taking on new responsibilities, and there is a learning curve that comes with managing it. Early education can help you:

• Learn about the disease before it is your reality
• Keep up with the latest advances and technology
• Find the right care team and community support to help

Who should be screened:

Keep in mind that anyone can develop T1D, no matter their age, family history, or lifestyle choices. Up to 90 percent of people diagnosed with T1D have no family history.

Those that are at an increased risk are:

• Those who have an immediate family member with T1D
• Those who have another autoimmune condition or history of autoimmune conditions, such as celiac disease or Hashimoto’s disease, in their family

Support for those with T1D:

Support is crucial for those living with T1D. Luckily, there are many online and in person communities that a person living with or affected by T1D can get involved with. Here are some to name a few:

• Breakthrough T1D: Type 1 Diabetes - Breakthrough T1D
• diaTribe: Making Sense of Diabetes | DiaTribe
• Taking Control of Your Diabetes: Taking Control Of Your Diabetes® | Edutaining the Diabetes Community Since 1995 (tcoyd.org)
• Beyond Type 1: Beyond Type 1 - Home
• American Diabetes Association: Living with Diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes | ADA

Local T1D Support:

• WV T1D Adults: Facebook / Instagram. This is a group of adults (18 or older) living with T1D in the area who organize “meet ups” throughout the year.
• Camp Kno Koma – West Virginia’s kids’ diabetes camp Camp Kno-KomaHome | Camp Kno-Koma (campknokoma.com)
• Breakthrough T1D: Western and Central PA Chapter Western & Central Pennsylvania Breakthrough T1D Diabetes Chapter Support

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