Type 1 Diabetes

What is Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a state of insulin deficiency (complete or partial), which occurs when the body’s immune system abnormally attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is an essential hormone for life, as it is critical for utilization of glucose by cells. Blood glucose is the body’s main source of energy and comes mainly from food; in the absence of insulin, blood glucose levels rise above normal as they cannot effectively get into cells. Hence, patients with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to maintain normal glucose levels.

Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, but can occur at any age. In the United States, approximately 5% of people living with diabetes have type 1. Environmental factors, such as viral infections, are thought to trigger this disease but the cause is not fully clear. A first-degree family member with type 1 diabetes is a risk factor for developing, demonstrating a genetic component as well.