Newly diagnosed
What just happened to me, what changes right away, and what to do next.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes: an autoimmune disorder.
Information, not medical guidance This section explains Type 1 diabetes at a high level and points readers toward trusted sources. It is not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or a substitute for care from a qualified clinician.A calm, plain-English guide to Type 1 diabetes: what it is, how it differs from Type 2, what daily management involves, how technology helps, where research is moving, and how support can matter.
Visitor paths
Find the support you need.
Family or friend
Supporting your T1D warrior while learning more about the disability.
Learn the basicsResearch-curious
What is happening in Type 1 diabetes research, and how to get involved.
Learn moreSupporter
Who the major players are, where support can matter, and how to help.
Show your supportThe basics
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder.
Despite common perceptions, Type 1 diabetes is much different than Type 2. It is an autoimmune disorder that requires constant attention, daily decisions, and long-term support.
Terms
Insulin, glucose, beta cells, CGMs, highs, lows, basal, bolus, and the language people hear early.
Open glossaryTypes of diabetes
Type 1, Type 1.5 / LADA, Type 2, gestational diabetes, and other forms are related but different.
Compare typesDaily life
Food, movement, stress, illness, sleep, devices, timing, and risk all become part of the math.
Walk through a dayResearch watch
Market developments and progress
A high-level view of where treatment, technology, prevention, and possible future therapies are moving.
View research mapResearch area
Early Detection
Finding risk before symptoms become an emergency.
Research area
Disease Modification
Slowing or redirecting the immune process.
Research area
Cell Replacement
Restoring or replacing insulin-producing cells.
Research area
Immune Protection
Protecting replacement cells from immune attack.
Research area
Automation & Burden Reduction
Reducing the constant calculation and correction.
Research area
Functional Cure
Moving toward meaningful independence from daily insulin management.
Support ecosystem
Who is working on Type 1 diabetes, and how to help.
Support starts with knowing the landscape: the organizations, researchers, advocates, care teams, companies, and communities working on better treatment, better access, and better daily life.
Explore support optionsADA and clinical organizations
Groups that publish standards, education, advocacy resources, and guidance for people living with diabetes.
Research hospitals and universities
Academic and clinical teams often run studies, translate discoveries, and help move promising ideas into trials.
Device and therapy companies
Companies building insulin, pumps, CGMs, cell therapies, and other tools that shape daily care and future treatment.
Support
Support can mean more than giving money.
Support can mean learning enough to be useful, helping someone carry the daily load, sharing trusted resources, advocating for access, or contributing to organizations doing research and community work.