International Diabetes Center > Disease Information > Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

In type 1 diabetes (formerly "juvenile-onset diabetes" or "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus"), the body loses the ability to make insulin. This occurs when the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells. As a result of this attack, these cells stop making insulin over time.

Insulin is a very important hormone made by the pancreas, a gland in the body near the stomach. Insulin is necessary to change glucose, which is the body's energy source, into energy.

Glucose, a form of sugar, is made when the body digests food. When insulin is unavailable, glucose stays in the bloodstream and cannot be used as energy. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin shots (injections) to stay alive.

Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children or in young adults under age 30. Most cases of type 1 diabetes develop for unknown reasons. A number of important genetic factors very likely are associated with the development of type 1 diabetes, but many of these factors are not yet known. Environmental factors such as viral infections, chemicals and stressful situations also may play a role, but the specific role of each of these factors is still unclear.

For more information on children with type 1 diabetes and risk factors, see right navigation.

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Learn more about treating type 1 diabetes.

Find out about eating disorders and diabetes.