Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, where your body’s immune cells mistakenly attack the cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your body’s cells use blood glucose (also known as blood sugar) for energy. If blood sugar cannot get into your cells, then it builds up in the bloodstream (known as hyperglycemia or high blood sugar) and can damage the blood vessels over time. The damage can lead to complications, such as an increased risk of heart and kidney disease, as well as vision issues and loss of feeling in the hands and feet. Managing blood sugar levels can help reduce the risk of complications.
People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce their own insulin, so they cannot regulate their blood sugar on their own. Type 1 diabetes generally develops in children but can also develop in adults.
People with type 1 need to inject insulin or use an insulin pump to ensure their bodies have the right amount of insulin.
Roughly 5-10 percent of people living with diabetes have type 1.
Visit our Treatment webpage to learn about type 1 diabetes treatment.
Important Note: If you are feeling very thirsty, feeling very weak, peeing more than usual, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and/or high blood sugars – you may have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious diabetes complication that happens when there is not enough insulin in your body. If you think you are experiencing DKA, please get medical help immediately!
How 2 type 1
Do you live with type 1 diabetes? Do you care for someone who does? Whether you've been recently diagnosed or living with the disease for years, How 2 type 1 is for you. This video, developed in partnership with the Diabetes Leadership Foundation, aims to provide support, knowledge, expert advice, and actionable steps to help you and others in the type 1 diabetes community thrive!