Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, lifelong condition which impairs the body’s ability to produce insulin, a critical hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. Though it can develop at any age, it is most frequently diagnosed in children, adolescents and young adults, with approximately 500,000 new cases of Type 1 diabetes recorded in 2021 alone.

Though there is currently no known cure for the disease, advancements in medical research and technologies have facilitated better disease management.

Highlighting the significant progress achieved in this regard, Dr Raed Al-Dahsh, Head and consultant of Endocrine division and Diabetes center, King Abdulaziz Medical City - National Guard, stated that medical advancements have helped enhance patients’ quality of life, aiding in both the prevention and comprehensive management of this chronic condition.

For instance, earlier, insulin therapy was the only efficient treatment option for patients suffering from this disease. However, now there are drugs which can prevent or delay the onset of the disease.

There is a common misconception that Type 1 diabetes onset can only happen in childhood, whereas it can develop at any age. It is essential to understand both the symptoms and variants of the disease to actively identify disease onset and seek early medical intervention.

For instance, late-onset type 1 diabetes or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), usually develops after the age of 30. Both LADA and type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed using the same tests, due to the presence of similar antibodies in these conditions.

Type 1 diabetes tests are very important, especially for children, as the disease symptoms, which include increased thirst, fatigue, weight loss, frequent urination and blurred vision, are often misdiagnosed as other common childhood diseases.

Through early diagnosis of this chronic condition and holistic medical intervention, patients’ quality of life can dramatically improve, enabling them to lead a fulfilling life, without the need for frequent hospital visits.

Hence, it is vital to raise awareness, particularly among parents, so that they can recognise disease symptoms and seek medical support early on.