Endocrinology and Diabetes Program

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition (sometimes called “self-allergy”). This means that the body starts to see the insulin-producing cells as dangerous and begins to destroy them.
People with type 1 diabetes do not make enough insulin to get the energy from food into the body’s cells. The body starts to starve.
- Remember, insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells. That is where it is used for energy.
If this goes on too long, the body will start to burn fat to make sure that the brain has enough energy. Burning fat for energy creates something called ketones. If there are too many ketones in the body, the person can get very sick and get diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

To learn more, watch this video:

Insulin - The only treatment for type 1 diabetes is to replace the missing insulin in the body. This is done with a shot or an insulin pump. Children with type 1 diabetes must get one or more daily injections of insulin.
Diet - A child with type 1 diabetes does not need to be on a special diet. There are ways to keep track of what they eat. This will help you and your child keep healthy blood sugar ranges. Our team will help you and your child learn how to eat healthy and support a positive relationship to food.
Checking blood sugars - You and your child will closely watch their blood sugar levels. To stay in a healthy range, you will check your child’s blood sugar many times a day. Checking is done with a glucometer or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
Treating diabetes can be a struggle for children of all ages.
- It is important to make sure that they are still having a happy and healthy childhood.
- Our clinic can help support their diabetes needs, as well as their mental health needs.
When your child is diagnosed with diabetes, they will go to diabetes classes. This is to make sure you feel confident and safe caring for their diabetes at home and school. There are also classes in advanced diabetes skills if you and your child would like to learn more.
They will also meet with the diabetes team every 3 to 4 months to review their blood sugar numbers.