Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Videos

Diabetes Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Type 1 Diabetes - Cause

Type 1 diabetes develops because the body's immune system destroys the beta cells which are in the islet tissue in the pancreas. These beta cells produce insulin. So people with type 1 diabetes cannot make their own insulin.

You can inherit a tendency to develop type 1 diabetes, but most people who have the disease have no family history of it. Diabetes experts believe that a genetic tendency and some environmental factors may increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Possible environmental factors include enteroviral infections-especially Coxsackie B infections.

Despite concerns about vaccines (particularly those against whooping cough and Haemophilus influenza B, or Hib), studies have not found a relationship between being vaccinated and developing type 1 diabetes.1

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 21, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Next Article:
webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Vinegar for Diabetes   Vinegar for Diabetes

48x48_vinegar_for_diabetes.jpg

Vinegar is in everything from coleslaw to pickles. What if you could actually use it to help prevent disease?

Watch Video: Vinegar for Diabetes (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: Pre-Diabetes   Pre-Diabetes

Show or hide information about video: Type 2 Diabetes in Kids   Type 2 Diabetes in Kids

Show or hide information about video: Continuous Glucose Monitors   Continuous Glucose Monitors

Show or hide information about video: Snacks for Diabetics   Snacks for Diabetics