Type 1 diabetes may also be known by a variety of other names,
including the following: There are two forms of type 1 diabetes:
Immune-mediated diabetes is the most common form of type 1
diabetes, and the one generally referred to as type 1 diabetes.
The information on this page refers to this form of type 1
diabetes. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all
diagnosed cases of diabetes in the U.S. Type 1 diabetes usually
develops in children or young adults, but can start at any age.
The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is believed that
genetic and environmental factors (possibly viruses) may be
involved. The body's immune system attacks and destroys the
insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin allows glucose
to enter the cells of the body to provide energy. When glucose
cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood, depriving the
cells of nutrition. People with type 1 diabetes must take daily
insulin injections and regularly monitor their blood sugar
levels. Type 1 diabetes