A person who has type 1 diabetes can’t use glucose (the body’s main type of sugar) for energy. That’s because their body stopped making the hormone insulin.
Learn the basics in 90 seconds.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2025 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com
Reach us 24/7 for patient referrals, consults, admissions and neonatal transport.
Home | Privacy policy & terms of use | Contact us
© 2025 Children’s Minnesota
Children’s Minnesota is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our tax identification number is 41-1754276.