What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Autoimmune

Condition

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Without insulin, the body cannot convert glucose from food into energy. This causes blood sugar levels to rise dangerously high, which can be life-threatening if not treated.

Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 is not caused by lifestyle or diet. It requires lifelong insulin therapy for survival. With proper care, children with T1D can live full, active, and healthy lives.

Frequent Urination

Children may need to urinate more often, including at night.

Weight Loss

Sudden, unexplained weight loss despite eating normally or more than usual.

Excessive Thirst

Constant, intense thirst that cannot be quenched no matter how much they drink.

Fatigue

Persistent tiredness, lethargy, and lack of energy for daily activities.

Recognising the Symptoms

Early detection saves lives. Know the four classic symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes.

What Idhayangal does for Type 1 Diabetes

Idhayangal supports children with Type 1 Diabetes through essential insulin, diabetes supplies, specialised care, education, and family support—helping them manage their condition and live healthier lives.

Free insulin to children who cannot afford lifelong treatment.
Free glucose-monitoring supplies, including glucometers, glucose strips and needles.
Supports insulin pump therapy, including pumps and necessary consumables for eligible children.
Free refrigerators to help families safely store insulin.
Supports specialised Type 1 diabetes care centres in government hospitals.
Supports education for children, particularly girls with Type 1 diabetes.
Free health insurance and rehabilitation support for eligible families.
Supports mothers with rehabilitation/livelihood opportunities to improve family financial stability.
Educating health care Professionals on Type 1 Diabetes
Supports active research on Type 1 Diabetes

Busting Common Myths

Click through to separate fact from fiction about Type 1 Diabetes.

Myth 1

Myth 2

Myth 3

Myth 4

Myth 5

Myth 6

Myth

Type 1 Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar.

Fact

Type 1 is an autoimmune condition. The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. Diet does not cause it.

Myth

Type 1 Diabetes can be cured with diet and exercise.

Fact

There is no cure for Type 1. Insulin therapy is essential for survival. Diet and exercise help manage it but cannot replace insulin.

Myth

Only Children get Type 1 Diabetes.

Fact

Type 1 is most commonly diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. That is why it was once called "juvenile diabetes."

Myth

Children with Type 1 Diabetes cannot play sports.

Fact

With proper blood sugar management, children with T1D can participate fully in sports and physical activities.

Myth

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are the same.

Fact

They are very different. Type 1 is autoimmune and requires insulin. Type 2 is related to insulin resistance and lifestyle factors.

Myth

People with Type 1 Diabetes cannot get married or lead a happy married life.

Fact

People with Type 1 Diabetes can get married, have healthy relationships, and lead happy, fulfilling married lives. With proper diabetes management and the right support, they can also have healthy children.