What Is Type 1 Diabetes? Key Facts You Need to Know

Type 1 diabetes, previously referred to as “juvenile diabetes,” is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas does not produce insulin. This is due to damage from the immune system. Since people with type 1 diabetes no longer make insulin on their own, they must take insulin as medication, and they need to be on it lifelong.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Sanjai Sinha, MD

Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.

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