type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease that develops when the pancreas stops making insulin. your body needs insulin to let sugar (glucose) move from the blood into the body's cells where it can be used for energy or stored for later use. if sugar cannot move from the blood into the cells your blood sugar gets too high and your cells cannot work right. high blood sugar can harm your blood vessels and nerves and lead to problems with your eyes heart feet kidneys and other areas of the body. these problems are called complications. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what is type 1 diabetes?