Type 1 Diabetes: Causes, Risk Factors & What You Need to Know

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose, or sugar, get from the blood into the cells for energy.

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Some of the risk factors for type 1 diabetes include:

* Family history of type 1 diabetes: People who have a close family member (such as a parent or sibling) with type 1 diabetes are more likely to develop the disease.

* Certain genes: Certain genes have been linked to an increased risk of type 1 diabetes.

* Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors, such as viral infections, may also play a role in triggering type 1 diabetes in people who are already genetically predisposed to the disease.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can also occur in older adults. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes can include:

* Increased thirst

* Frequent urination

* Unexplained weight loss

* Increased hunger

* Extreme fatigue

* Blurred vision

* Frequent infections

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away to get diagnosed and treated for type 1 diabetes.