Type 1 diabetes is a disease that develops when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to move glucose (blood sugar) from the blood into the cells of the body. The human body needs insulin to function. Without it, the glucose remains in the blood and the body does not receive fuel for energy. High glucose (hyperglycemia) can cause many complications.

Though type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, it usually appears in children and young adults. For this reason, it was formerly called juvenile diabetes. It was also commonly referred to as insulin–dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), although some people with type 2 diabetes and other forms of diabetes also require insulin therapy.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-making cells of the pancreas. Genetics is a factor in the disease, and viral infections or other environmental factors may play a role. Type 1 diabetes is more common in whites and people with a family history of the disease.

The early signs of type 1 diabetes are often overlooked. They may include excessive thirst, increased urination, increased appetite and unexplained weight loss. The accumulation of a waste product called ketones can lead to a medical emergency called diabetic ketoacidosis.

All patients with type 1 diabetes should closely monitor their blood glucose levels. Glucose monitoring is performed with a glucose meter several times a day.

Patients with type 1 diabetes must take insulin to live. One recently approved injected medication, synthetic amylin, is the only other drug approved to treat type 1 diabetes. Physicians may also prescribe exercise and diet to help control glucose and to prevent insulin resistance and double diabetes.

A pancreas transplant or an islet cell transplant may be an option for some patients. Scientists are conducting many studies to find other treatments or a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Uncontrolled, type 1 diabetes can lead to multiple medical complications that can affect the kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels. The best way to prevent complications is by following the diabetic treatment plan prescribed by the physician.