Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes happens when your pancreas can’t make insulin on its own. If a health care provider has diagnosed you or someone you love with type 1 diabetes, you may have lots of questions or concerns. We can help.

At the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Health (CDEH), our team has deep experience helping patients and families navigate life with type 1 diabetes. We’ll give you the tools and education you need to manage your blood sugar and overall health.

You can live well with type 1 diabetes. You just need to learn how. We offer unwavering support and comprehensive education to help you manage type 1 diabetes and live life on your terms.

What is type 1 diabetes?

When the body can’t make insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar), glucose (sugar) in the blood rises or falls to unhealthy levels. These fluctuations can cause serious health complications.

Type 1 diabetes affects a small percentage (less than 5 percent) of all people with diabetes. While it’s often diagnosed in children and young adults, it can affect people of all ages.

People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin and track their blood sugar levels daily. With insulin therapy and other treatments, people with type 1 diabetes can live long, healthy lives.

Our diabetes specialists will help you navigate life with type 1 diabetes. Our goal is to optimize your health while reducing diabetes-related disruptions. Learn more about monitoring blood sugar and exercising with type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms

If not properly treated, type 1 diabetes can lead to serious health complications. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), for example, can cause headaches, blurred vision, and seizures. Call your physician if you suspect you or a loved one may have type 1 diabetes.

Common symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:

• Frequent bathroom trips
• Blurry vision (that can’t be explained by other causes)
• Extreme thirst
• Wounds (small or large) that won’t heal
• Unintentional weight loss

Our comprehensive type 1 diabetes treatment

A team of diabetes specialists with a passion for helping people live full, active lives leads the CDEH. When you choose us for type 1 diabetes care, you can also expect:

• Expertise from endocrinologists, pharmacists, and other providers who specialize in the diagnosis and management of type 1 diabetes
• Tailored education personalized to your needs, so you can manage your health without feeling overwhelmed with information
• Personalized treatment plan that fits your schedule and improves your health and wellness goals
• A focus on whole health from medical and behavioral health specialists that addresses the many ways a type 1 diabetes diagnosis can affect your life
• Convenient follow-up phone appointments to help you balance your blood sugar levels with fewer trips to our office

Contact us

Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about AHN diabetes services.