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Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys the cells that produce insulin, an essential hormone that allows the body to use sugar for energy.

Risk factors

Risk factors for type 1 diabetes

The risk factors for type 1 diabetes are many and varied, and many have not yet been identified. It is important to note that the presence of one or more risk factors does not necessarily lead to the disease. Similarly, the absence of risk factors is no guarantee that the disease will not develop, as other less understood factors (genetic or environmental) may also play a role.

Family history

People with a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes have up to a 15 times higher risk of developing the disease during their lifetime.

Affected sibling: approximately 6 to 7% risk
Affected mother: risk to child approximately 1.3 to 4%
Affected father: risk to child approximately 6 to 9%

By comparison, a person with no family history has an average risk of approximately 0.4% of developing type 1 diabetes during their lifetime.

Genetic factors

The presence of certain genes, such as human leukocyte antigens (HLA), increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Having these genes does not automatically lead to the disease.

Personal or family history of autoimmune diseases

A person who already has an autoimmune disease (for example, autoimmune hypothyroidism or celiac disease) is at greater risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Environmental factors

Viral infections in childhood (e.g., enterovirus, Coxsackie)
Exposure to certain pollutants
When to introduce certain foods
Vitamin deficiency (vitamin D)

Geographic factors

More common in certain regions (Northern Europe, North America, the Middle East).

Symptoms

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes

When the body no longer produces insulin, sugar remains in the blood rather than entering the cells. This is called hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia, if prolonged, can cause uncomfortable symptoms, but can also develop into a medical emergency known as diabetic ketoacidosis. However, it is important to note that type 1 diabetes does not usually cause symptoms in its early stages.

Screening can prevent severe symptoms.

Get screened

Main symptoms associated with hyperglycemia:

Intense thirst
Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night
Significant fatigue
Rapid and unexplained weight loss
Excessive hunger despite normal eating habits
Blurred vision

More severe symptoms – Medical emergency

When diabetes is not diagnosed or treated:

Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Rapid, deep breathing
Fruity-smelling breath (ketosis)
Drowsiness, confusion
Loss of consciousness

These signs may point to diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication that needs immediate care.

Screening

Importance of early screening

Early screening for type 1 diabetes provides reassurance in most cases about the risk of developing type 1 diabetes in the future, as the majority of people screened will test negative. However, in the event of a positive result, early screening:

Prevent serious complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, which can impact long-term diabetes management.
Avoid confusion with type 2 diabetes
Allows for gradual training in disease management

Get screened

Resources

Additional resources

Several resources are available to you regarding the screening process and type 1 diabetes. Scientific advances continue to progress in the field of diabetes.

The Support Project The BETTER project Diabetes Quebec Breakthrough DT1

Any questions?

Frequently asked questions

I am a relative of someone with type 1 diabetes, but I live outside of Montreal. Can I participate?

Yes, you can participate. If you decide to participate in the study, you agree to travel to the IRCM for all study visits. Only one visit is required if the screening test is negative.

How is screening carried out? What tests are performed?

The first visit lasts approximately 2 hours. The visit includes:

Signing the consent form
Completing questionnaires: Medical history, lifestyle, physical activity, diet, and mental health
Various measurements: weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, glycation products
Blood test: antibody testing for type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases, liver and kidney function tests, cholesterol, etc.

Is screening painful?

Among all the tests performed, the only one that causes discomfort is the blood draw. All other tests should not cause any pain.

If my screening test is negative, should I repeat it?

If a member of your family has type 1 diabetes and you test negative as an adult, your risk of developing the disease is the same as that of someone without risk factors, but it is not zero. However, in the absence of scientific data, current recommendations do not suggest retesting.

Are there ways to prevent type 1 diabetes?

At present, there is no way to prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes. However, there is a Health Canada-approved treatment to delay its onset in those with early-stage disease. For more information, see the link SUPPORT for teplizumab.

Who should I contact for more information?

You can contact our team at the following email address:
[email protected] or by phone at 514-987-5500 ext. 3295.

Who funds this research project, and does it influence the results?

This research project is funded by Sanofi as part of an “Investigator-Initiated Research.” This means that the study is designed and conducted by independent researchers, not by the pharmaceutical company. The funding supports the research activities, but Sanofi is not involved in the design or conduct of the study, the analysis of the data, or the interpretation of the results. The researchers remain responsible for the project and are committed to following strict scientific and ethical standards to ensure the integrity and transparency of the results.

My screening test is positive, and I’ve been followed as part of this research project. Who will be responsible for my follow-up after the study ends?

Once the study is completed, it will be important to continue regular follow-up to ensure that progression of type 1 diabetes is not missed. Your medical follow-up may be carried out either by your family physician if you have one, or by one of the clinician investigators involved in the study.

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