If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not make insulin or makes very little insulin. Type 1 diabetes can affect people at any age, but commonly develops in children and young adults. People living with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin injections to control their blood glucose levels. If they do not have access to insulin, they will die.
The global impact of type 1 diabetes is increasing, with more than 9 million people living with the condition in 2024. Over half of new diagnoses occur in adults aged 20 years or older.
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and there is no cure for the condition. However, recent research shows that the progression of type 1 diabetes can be delayed, particularly in people at an advanced stage of the condition.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:
- Abnormal thirst and dry mouth
- Sudden weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Lack of energy, tiredness
- Constant hunger
- Blurred vision
- Bedwetting
Diagnosing type 1 diabetes can be difficult. Early symptoms can resemble those of common illnesses, contributing to misdiagnosis and delayed access to appropriate treatment.
Risk factors for type 1 diabetes
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes remains unknown, but the underlying pathways and contributing risk factors are well documented.
Genetic risk
Type 1 diabetes has a strong genetic component involving more than 50 genes. Genetic risk levels vary between different world regions. While some genetic markers clearly increase the risk of type 1 diabetes, not all people with these markers develop the condition. This suggests that environmental factors play a role in whether a person develops type 1 diabetes.
Family history
The likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes increases with a family history of the condition. Combined with genetic factors, the risk varies depending on the familial relationship. People with a parent, sibling or child with type 1 diabetes are at much greater overall risk than the general population.
Autoimmune conditions clustering
Autoimmune conditions often run in families, which suggests a strong genetic component. The autoimmune conditions found in families with type 1 diabetes are most commonly autoimmune thyroid disease, autoimmune adrenal deficiency, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis and vitiligo (loss of skin pigment).
Presence of islet autoantibodies
The presence of islet autoantibodies is a strong marker of the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Children with two or more types of these autoantibodies have an estimated 85 to 92% chance of developing the condition within 15 years.
Age
Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents tends to have a more aggressive and rapid onset, often requiring immediate insulin therapy. However, estimates indicate that more than half of new cases of type 1 diabetes are in people aged 20 years and older.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors such as viral infections, early life nutrition, gut imbalance and physical activity interact with genetic risk and influence the development of islet autoantibodies and clinical type 1 diabetes.
Managing type 1 diabetes
People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin treatment, regular blood glucose monitoring and a healthy lifestyle to manage their condition effectively.
Insulin
All people with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin to control their blood glucose levels. There are different types of insulin depending on how quickly they work, when they peak, and how long they last. The three most common ways to take insulin are with a syringe, an insulin pen or an insulin pump.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
The emergence of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) has been a pivotal advancement in supporting diabetes management. Unlike self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), which involves finger pricking and blood drawing, CGM devices offer a more user-friendly and less intrusive solution to measure glucose levels. For people living with type 1 diabetes, CGM devices can improve quality of life and well-being by providing real-time data that helps make informed decisions about diet, insulin dosing and overall lifestyle.
The benefits of physical activity
Regular physical activity is very important for the management of type 1 diabetes. It improves cardiovascular health, builds strength, aids in weight management and helps manage blood glucose levels. Exercise also boosts mood, reduces stress, and increases mental well-being for a healthy lifestyle.
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Healthy nutrition
People with type 1 diabetes can eat a variety of food without restrictions. The days of following strict guidelines are long gone, thanks to advancements in insulin regimens and delivery systems. However, to help keep blood glucose levels within the target range and delay or avoid diabetes-related complications, people with type 1 diabetes should eat healthy, balanced meals that include all major food groups.
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Resources for children and parents
Our Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS) programme offers a selection of freely downloadable educational resources to help children, parents, teachers and school staff understand type 1 diabetes and how to manage it.
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Type 1 Diabetes Index
The Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Index is a first of its kind data simulation tool that measures and maps the human and public health impact of type 1 diabetes. The Index uniquely illuminates the human impact of the condition by highlighting “missing people” and “healthy years lost” to type 1 diabetes.
The Index was developed collaboratively by JDRF, Life for a Child, International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), IDF and Beyond Type 1.
Go to the T1D IndexType 1 diabetes resources
Policy brief
Detect early, act early: Improving diagnosis of type 1 diabetes
A joint policy brief with the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) that provides advocates, healthcare professionals and policymakers with recommendations to advance type 1 diabetes screening and early diagnosis.
IDF-ISPAD-Policy Brief-T1D-screening-early-diagnosis-
pdf
2MB
Report
Type 1 diabetes estimates in children and adults
This IDF Diabetes Atlas report provides an overview of the methodology and findings of the Type 1 Diabetes Index and dispels misconceptions that type 1 diabetes primarily impacts children and youth.
link to https://diabetesatlas.org/atlas/t1d-index-2022/
Download
Infographic
Type 1 diabetes: a condition that impacts all ages
An infographic highlighting the rising prevalence of type 1 diabetes across the world and the importance of ensuring regular and affordable access to care to manage the condition.
IDF Atlas T1D infographic
pdf
1MB
Online course
Type 1 Diabetes: Overview, Treatments and Targets
This free 25-30 min course offers an overview of what type 1 diabetes is, how it develops, the necessity of daily insulin, and the effects of lifestyle factors on blood glucose levels.
link to https://understandingdiabetes.org/type1-diabetes/en
Access the course
Online course
Insulin and how to use it safely
In this free 25-30 minutes course you will learn what insulin is and why people living with type 1 diabetes and some people living with type 2 and gestational diabetes need to take it.
link to https://understandingdiabetes.org/insulin-safely/en
Access the course
Online course
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Designed for people living with diabetes and their caregivers, this free 30-minute online course focuses on the role of CGM in diabetes management and provides practical information and tips on CGM use.
link to https://understandingdiabetes.org/continuous-glucose-monitoring/en
Access the course
