Type 1 diabetes shares many of the symptoms of Type 2, but only about 5% of people with diabetes have Type 1. However, about 85% to 90% of children and adolescents with diabetes have Type 1. The Wendy Novak Diabetes Center provides state-of-the art, compassionate care, personalized treatment plans and family education for children with Type 1 diabetes.
What is Type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease that causes the pancreas to produce little or no insulin. Without the hormone insulin, sugar cannot turn into nutrients and help move those nutrients into the body’s cells to produce energy. Sugar then builds up in the bloodstream, causing hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar.
People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily. If not treated, hyperglycemia (the excess sugar in the blood) can cause damage to the body and may even cause death.
Complications that may result from Type 1 diabetes include:
- Circulation issues
- Eye issues, including blindness
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Nerve disease
Type 1 diabetes symptoms
Type 1 diabetes symptoms often appear suddenly during infancy or childhood. Each child is different, so symptoms may appear differently. The most common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Blurry vision
- Dehydration
- Excess drowsiness or fatigue
- Increased and significant thirst
- Increased urination: Parents may notice babies need frequent diaper changes; toilet-trained children may start to wet themselves and/or wet the bed more frequently
- Increased appetite, but the child experiences weight loss instead of gain
- Mood changes, including irritability, and fussiness in smaller children
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
Type 1 diabetes services with Norton Children’s Endocrinology:
- Diabetes emergency department and inpatient care
- Dedicated outpatient care at the Novak Center for Children’s Health
- Diabetes educators, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, social workers, exercise physiologists and nurse practitioners to help children and families learn to manage and cope with diabetes
- Eight pediatric physician specialists in diabetes care, education and research, including:
- Wendy Novak Endowed Chair of Pediatric Diabetes Care and Clinical Research, held by Kupper A. Wintergerst, M.D., professor of pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine
- Jack Henderson Endowed Chair of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, held by Michael B. Foster, M.D., associate professor, University of Louisville School of Medicine
- Diabetes care using the most advanced insulin management and glucose sensing technology
- Personalized education programs for patients, families and community organizations
- Telemedicine program for rural areas, improving access for patients outside of Louisville
- College and transitional care program for children and young adults ages 16 to 26
- Dedicated Christensen Family Sports & Activity Program focusing on improving the health, safety and athletic performance of every child and young adult with diabetes
