Diabetes Health Center

Normally, the body's immune system fights off foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria. But for unknown reasons, in people with type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks various cells in the body.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually develop quickly, over a few days to weeks, and are caused by blood sugar levels rising above the normal range (hyperglycemia).

You can inherit a tendency to develop type 1 diabetes, but most people who have the disease have no family history of it.

If a person is not in ketoacidosis, the American Diabetes Association's criteria for symptoms, a medical history, a physical exam, and blood tests are used to diagnose type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong treatment to keep blood sugar levels within a target range.

Contrary to what you may have heard, there is no single "diabetes diet."

There are many forms of insulin to treat diabetes. They are classified by how fast they start to work and how long their effects last. 

Currently there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes, but ongoing studies are exploring ways to prevent diabetes in those who are most likely to develop it.

See animated illustrations of how type 1 diabetes works.

WebMD offers a pictorial overview of the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of type 1 diabetes.

This type 1 diabetes assessment was designed to explore and evaluate your personal health and lifestyle history to help you manage your health and your family’s health better.

Test your Type 1 Diabetes knowledge.