Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

Also known as: Juvenile diabetes; Childhood diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease that develops when the pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that lets sugar (glucose) move from the blood into the body's cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later use. If sugar cannot move from the blood into the cells, the person's blood sugar rises above a safe level and the cells cannot function properly.

Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, although it typically develops in children and young adults, usually before the age of 30.

Whether you have had diabetes for some time or are newly diagnosed, our program offers you and your family the knowledge and self-care skills necessary to live a healthy life. Our goal is to help you live well – and to keep you well informed.

Read more in our library »

Choose a category above to find details about related Providence services.

Services offered by Providence

Diabetes education group classes

Group classes are available in the mornings, afternoons and evenings to fit your schedule. Topics covered include the basics of diabetes, meal plannin More »

Diabetes education individual appointments

In a one-on-one setting, we offer personalized meal plans, blood sugar monitoring and insulin training. We also offer diabetes education for pregnant More »

Diabetes support groups

Diabetes support groups offer patients the opportunity to: Learn more about managing your diabetes with certified diabetes educators Co More »

Pediatrics

Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the care of children. Pediatricians can treat children with any type of problem, or they may sp More »

From the experts

Ask an Expert: Can a young, healthy, active adult get diabetes?

Q: Can an active, 32-year-old Caucasian female who eats well and who does not suffer from obesity, high blood pressure or high cholesterol be diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes? If so, how common is this?

Answer from Susanna Reiner, R.N., B.S.N., diabetes nurse educator, Providence Diabetes Education:

Ask an Expert: Could frequent urination mean that I have diabetes?

Q: I am a 14-year-old, very thin girl. I eat mostly healthy foods, but I have a bowl of ice cream or a bag of chips every now and then. I have had frequent urination, even though I haven't had anything to drink in the last 24 hours. Am I at risk for getting diabetes? How can I find out if I have diabetes without going to the doctor?

Answer provided by Susanna Reiner, R.N., C.D.E., certified diabetes nurse educator, Providence Health & Services:

Expert Q&A: Cardiac surgery care for diabetics

Answers provided by Tony Furnary, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.

Recommended Resources