Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition where the immune system destroys the cells of the pancreas, the part of the body that produces insulin which regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. While type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood, it can occur at any age [1].

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, and it cannot be cured. Onset is not linked to lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, although maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to manage the condition after it has been diagnosed [2]. People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes require lifelong daily insulin injections.