Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas can't make insulin, because the body's immune system attacks & destroys insulin producing cells of pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, only 5% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. It is also referred to as Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
If your FBS (Fasting blood glucose level) is more than 126 mg/dl or PPBS (2hr Post meal glucose level) is more than 200 mg/dl, it can be confirmed that you have diabetes. To confirm that it is Type 1 diabetes - there are blood tests for specific antibodies that can identify type 1 diabetes. Your doctor will prescribe those tests and confirm the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes based on the test results.
Although it isn't clear what triggers the development of type 1 diabetes. Researchers found that genes play a role; there is an inherited susceptibility. However, something triggers the immune system, causing it to turn against itself and leading to the development of type 1 diabetes.
Anyone who has type 1 diabetes needs lifelong insulin therapy. After the diagnosis, there may be a "honeymoon" period, during which blood sugar is controlled with little or no insulin. However, this phase doesn't last.
Though insulin management plays a major role in management of Type 1 diabetes, diet plays an important role too. You can keep your blood glucose levels stable and reduce dependence on insulin by following right dietary practices. There are red light food items - that increase blood glucose levels (simple carbs, fats, refined foods etc), and there are green light food items - that help to stabilize your blood glucose levels (vegetables, salads, high fiber foods). Making wise food choices can help you keep your blood glucose levels in control. You don't have to follow any diet plan; in fact there is no special diabetes diet. You need to take a healthy diet - low in carbs & rich in fiber and proteins.