Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is essential for maintaining steady blood sugar levels. Without insulin, blood sugar becomes dangerously high, which can lead to serious complications and be life-threatening if not treated.
While there is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes, it can be managed with daily insulin therapy through injections or an insulin pump. Although managing type 1 diabetes can be challenging, people with type 1 diabetes who are diagnosed early and supported with proper care can live long, healthy lives. Early detection of risk of developing type 1 diabetes through screening helps identify type 1 diabetes before symptoms appear, giving families the chance to begin treatment earlier and reduce the risk of emergency complications.