Diabetes type 1 is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose, or sugar, get from the blood into the cells for energy. Without insulin, blood sugar levels can get too high, leading to a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation.
There is no cure for diabetes type 1, but it can be managed with insulin therapy, a healthy diet, and regular exercise. Insulin therapy replaces the insulin that the pancreas is no longer producing. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Regular exercise helps to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.