Myths and Facts About Type 1 Diabetes

Fact: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are very different diseases.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The body fights the cells that make insulin, preventing it from being made.

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease. The body can make insulin but isn’t able to use insulin effectively.

Type 1 diabetes is managed through insulin and lifestyle changes. Type 2 diabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes insulin.

Fact: Type 1 diabetes isn’t caused by diet, activity level, or other habits.

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes isn’t known. However, certain genes increase a person’s risk and environmental factors may play a role, too.

It’s important to know that people with type 1 diabetes didn’t do anything wrong to cause their condition.

Fact: Over half of those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are over 20 years old.

Although it’s most often diagnosed in adolescence, people of any age can be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Fact: 90% of people with type 1 diabetes don’t have a family history of the condition.

Still, it’s important to know that people with a family history of type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing it.

If you have a family history, look at for symptoms including having to pee more often, feeling very thirsty, extreme fatigue, and weight loss.

You may also consider screening family members for type 1 diabetes.

Fact: Those with type 1 diabetes can include carbs as part of a balanced diet.

Someone living with type 1 diabetes does have to understand how different food, drinks, and other factors like stress and sleep affect their blood sugar and how much insulin they need. They may need to adjust their lifestyle to help manage their blood sugar.

Understanding the facts about type 1 diabetes is an important step in helping you or the person you’re supporting receive the best care possible.