There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational. All are metabolic disorders that affect how the body uses (metabolizes) food to make glucose. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the body does not make enough insulin or that your body is not able to use the insulin it does make. Your body needs the hormone insulin to change blood sugar (glucose) into energy. Without insulin, too much glucose collects in your blood.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This means that your body has no or only a small amount of insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day in order to live.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides an easy to understand overview of Type 1 Diabetes basics. Click here to view the information.
Click here to learn more about type 1 diabetes and juvenile diabetes.
