Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body cells can no longer absorb sugar from food. The blood sugar level rises, with serious health consequences: blood vessels and nerves are damaged, which can affect organs. Eyes, kidneys, brain, feet and the cardiovascular system in particular should be examined regularly by a doctor.
Type 1 diabetics have to take insulin for the rest of their lives – through injections or special pumps. The disease is not yet curable. Factors such as personal lifestyle, exercise or obesity that influence type 2 diabetes do not play a role in type 1 diabetes. According to the diabetes information portal of the Helmholtz Center in Munich, type 1 accounts for around five percent of all diabetes cases. Around 373,000 people in Germany are currently living with type 1 diabetes.
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