Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)

Diabetes is a condition characterized by high glucose levels. Our body produces a hormone called insulin which enables glucose to enter our cells. If our bodies do not produce enough insulin, or if our cells are not able to respond well enough to insulin, glucose cannot enter our cells and instead accumulates in the bloodstream.

In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce insulin. The cells are therefore not able to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. However, it is recognized as an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (the beta cells). The damaged beta cells are then unable to produce insulin.

Type 1 diabetes affects just 5% of all people with diabetes. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. However, even older adults may be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.