type 1 diabetes is a disease that starts when the pancreas stops making insulin. insulin lets blood sugar-also called glucose-enter the body's cells to be used for energy. without insulin the cells can't get the sugar they need and too much sugar builds up in the blood. diabetes can cause sudden or long-term problems. if the body doesn't have enough insulin and the blood sugar gets very high a sudden and very serious problem called diabetic ketoacidosis can happen. this can be deadly. over time high blood sugar can damage the eyes heart blood vessels nerves and kidneys. type 1 diabetes can occur at any age but it usually starts in children or young adults. that’s why it used to be called juvenile diabetes. type 1 diabetes is different from type 2 diabetes which is the most common form of the illness. in type 1 the body stops making insulin. in type 2 the body does not make enough insulin or the body can't use insulin the right way. all people with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin. some people with type 2 diabetes also need insulin but most people can use diet exercise and medicine in pills to treat that illness. there isn't a cure for type 1 diabetes. but with treatment people can live long and healthy lives. 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?