type 1 diabetes develops because the body's immune system destroys the beta cells which are in the islet tissue in the pancreas. these beta cells produce insulin. so people with type 1 diabetes cannot make their own insulin. you can inherit a tendency to develop type 1 diabetes but most people who have the disease have no family history of it. diabetes experts believe that a genetic tendency and some environmental factors may increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. possible environmental factors include enteroviral infections -especially coxsackie b infections. despite concerns about vaccines (particularly those against whooping cough and haemophilus influenza b or hib) studies have not found a relationship between being vaccinated and developing type 1 diabetes. 1 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 causes type 1 diabetes?