Type 1 Diabetes 101

When it comes to Type 1 Diabetes, understanding that it is an autoimmune disease is a critical piece of information. Contrary to popular belief, dietary habits, such as sugar intake, do not cause this condition. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for Type 1 Diabetes, and it is a lifelong chronic condition.

Type 1 Diabetes affects the way your body processes food and energy. Normally, your body breaks down the food you eat into a sugar called glucose, which is then used by your cells for energy. To do this, your body needs a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas.

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This means that people with type 1 diabetes don’t have enough insulin to process the glucose in their blood. As a result, their blood sugar levels can become very high, which can cause a range of health problems over time.

People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. This can be done through injections or an insulin pump. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly, adjust their insulin doses, and make sure they are eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, but it can also develop in adults. It is different from type 2 diabetes, which is more common.