Diabetes affects over 30 million individuals in the United States, and shockingly, nearly one-third of these cases remain undiagnosed. The American Diabetes Association reports an additional 1.5 million people are diagnosed with this condition annually. Among these figures, approximately 1.25 million individuals suffer from type 1 diabetes. However, it is common for the general population to mistakenly interchange type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes: A Closer Look
Type 1 diabetes, often referred to as juvenile diabetes because it is commonly diagnosed in childhood, is a condition that can affect individuals of any age, race, or weight. Unlike type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with lifestyle factors, type 1 diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to produce insulin. Insulin plays a critical role in regulating blood glucose levels or blood sugar.
Causes
Type 1 diabetes is a condition characterized by an autoimmune response in the body, although the precise cause remains unknown. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks healthy cells within the body. In the case of type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the islet cells located in the pancreas. As these islet cells are progressively destroyed, the production of insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels, is impaired. Without sufficient insulin, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of severe and potentially life-threatening complications.