More than one million Americans have Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes-a disease which strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Someone is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes every hour. It can and does strike adults as well. In Type 1 diabetes, a person's pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone necessary to sustain life. Although the causes are not entirely known, scientists believe the body's own immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

The Truth About Type 1 Diabetes

• AFFECTS YOUNG CHILDREN: It's one of the most costly, chronic diseases of childhood and one you never outgrow.
• INSULIN DOES NOT CURE IT: While insulin allows a person to stay alive, it does not cure diabetes nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating effects: kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, amputations, heart attack, and stroke.
• NEEDS CONSTANT ATTENTION: To stay alive, those with Type 1 diabetes must take multiple insulin injections daily and test their blood sugar by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times per day. While trying to balance insulin injections with their amount of food intake, people with Type 1 diabetes must constantly be prepared for potential hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemic (high blood sugar) reactions, which can be life threatening.
• DIFFICULT TO MANAGE: Despite rigorous attention to maintaining a healthy diet, exercise regimen, and always injecting the proper amount of insulin, many other factors can adversely affect a person's blood-sugar control including: stress, hormonal changes, periods of growth, physical activity, medications, illness/infection, and fatigue.

• Even with insulin, Type 1 usually results in a drastic reduction in quality of life and shortens the average life span by 15 years.
• Each year approximately 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with Type 1, over 13,000 of whom are children. That's 35 children each and every day.
• Warning signs of Type 1 diabetes include: extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness or lethargy, increased appetite, sudden weight loss for no reason, sudden vision changes, sugar in urine, fruity odor on breath, heavy or labored breathing, stupor or unconsciousness. These may occur suddenly.