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A type of diabetes that usually starts in adolescence

	Left untreated, type 1 diabetes can cause serious health complications. Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to learn more about how to keep your blood glucose level as close to normal as possible.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to find out if insulin you inject, or a new type of insulin that you inhale, rate best for treating type 1 diabetes.

Consumer Reports Health has brought together the best research about type 1 diabetes and weighed the evidence about how to treat it. You can use our information to talk with your doctor and decide which treatments are best for you.

Key points about type 1 diabetes

• People with type 1 diabetes account for about 5% to 10% of all diabetics.
• Type 1 diabetes usually begins in adolescence, as opposed to type 2 diabetes, which comes on gradually after the age of 40.
• Diabetes happens when you have too much glucose in your blood. Glucose is a sugar your body uses for energy.
• Normally, a hormone called insulin made by the pancreas controls the amount of glucose in your blood.
• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Type 1 diabetics have an immune system that attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
• After you lose about 80% of these insulin-producing cells, you start to get symptoms of diabetes.
• Early symptoms of diabetes include being very thirsty, having to urinate frequently, being very hungry and tired, losing weight, and having blurry vision.
• Untreated diabetes can cause damage to your blood vessels, which can lead to serious problems with your eyes, heart, kidneys, and other areas.
• Because type 1 diabetics have lost most of their capacity for making insulin, they need to have insulin injections, usually at least 3 times per day.

There isn't a cure for type 1 diabetes. But treatments can help you lead a long and healthy life by keeping the amount of glucose in your blood as close to normal as possible. In addition to insulin injections, you will have to watch what you eat, exercise regularly, and check your blood glucose level throughout the day.

We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about type 1 diabetes. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable when talking to your doctor about your condition.