About Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic (long-lasting) condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas and stops it from making insulin, a hormone needed to use sugar (glucose) for energy. Without insulin, glucose stays in the blood instead of entering the cells.
Key Facts
- Insulin is required: People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to live.
- Not caused by lifestyle: Type 1 diabetes is not caused by diet or physical activity.
- Symptoms: High blood sugar may cause extreme thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, and unexplained weight loss.
- Management: Care includes insulin (injections or a pump), regular blood glucose monitoring, and attention to nutrition and carbohydrate intake.
- Diagnosis: It is often diagnosed in children and young adults but can develop at any age. T1D was previously referred to as “juvenile diabetes” or “insulin-dependent diabetes,” but these terms are no longer commonly used.
Resources
These resources provide more detailed information about type 1 diabetes, including symptoms, treatment, and daily management.