The Shorter Answer:

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune diseased that occurs as a result of the body’s failure to produce insulin. People with T1D require insulin injections (or through insulin pumps) to survive. There are two main characteristics of T1D: low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

Low blood sugar can become very serious very quickly. Sometimes it happens when there is too much insulin given, and sometimes it happens when there is not enough carbohydrates eaten. Low blood sugar causes confusion, dizziness, tremors, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. If blood sugar goes too low, things can get serious very quickly. Severe low blood sugar can cause seizures and coma. Left untreated, low blood sugar can even cause death.

High blood sugar can cause long-term health complications. Eye disease, circulatory issues, kidney disease, and heart attack and stroke may be a long-term result of high blood sugar. But high blood sugar can also cause short term problems, especially when it results in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a very serious, life-threatening result of uncontrolled and sustained high blood sugar. DKA requires immediate health interventions.

The good news is so many problems associated with high and low blood sugar can be avoided if individuals living with T1D are able to tightly control their blood sugar levels. Self management and supports from health care providers (and family and friends) is critical in keeping the body in good health.