Overview
Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the body does not make enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes.
It is caused by a loss or malfunction of some or all of the insulin producing cells, called pancreatic beta cells. Damage to beta cells results in an absence or insufficient production of insulin.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This means it begins when the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys beta cells in the pancreas. The reason for this autoimmune attack remains unclear. Something in the environment, such as particular viral infections or something about the diet, may trigger this autoimmune disease in people with a genetic predisposition.
People with type 1 diabetes have very little or no insulin and need to take insulin everyday.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease. It is diagnosed most commonly between ages 10 and 16. Type 1 diabetes equally affects males and females.
