About Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a lifelong disease caused by the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing islet cells (beta cells) in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to process glucose, a key source of energy. Without insulin, no cell in the body can use or store glucose normally. The destruction of islet cells leads to a loss of insulin production and abnormal glucose (blood sugar) regulation, often leading to high glucose levels in the blood, known as hyperglycemia. Due to these high blood sugar levels, people with T1D develop symptoms including increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination and unexplained weight loss. Unable to use blood glucose for energy, the body will attempt to compensate by breaking down muscle and fat, leading to muscle wasting and the buildup of ketones in the blood, which becomes toxic. This can result in diabetic ketoacidosis, which may lead to death.