Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and kills the beta cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
We don’t yet know what causes type 1 diabetes.
However, genetics and environmental influences may be factors.
Type 1 diabetes generally develops in childhood or adolescence, but can develop in adulthood.
Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, given as daily insulin injections or via an insulin pump.
Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) is a slow progressing form of type 1 diabetes that can be managed in the early stages without insulin therapy.
Many people with LADA are misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown.
What is known is that your immune system – which normally fights harmful bacteria or viruses – attacks and destroys your insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This leaves you with little or no insulin. Instead of being transported into your cells, glucose builds up in your bloodstream.
Kids camp gives kids with type 1 diabetes, like Lily, the opportunity to be away from home with others their own age – kids who understand what it's like to live with diabetes.
Learn more about our Kids Camp.