8 March 2019 Type 1 diabetes is rarer than type 2 diabetes. It affects less than 10% of all people with diabetes. This percentage has been falling because, while there are more cases of type 1 diabetes than in the past, the increase in new cases of type 2 diabetes has been much greater. What are the characteristics of type 1 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and is not related to behaviour or incorrect eating habits. In type 1 diabetes, the beta cells in the pancreas stop producing insulin , the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Although the process is not fully understood, we know it is the person’s own immune system that attacks and destroys their pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin therapy for their entire lives. Although most cases of type 1 diabetes occur in young people , it can also appear in adults and even the elderly. The hereditary factor is less significant in type 1 diabetes than in type 2. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
