ALL AGES
2.1 million
People in the United States with diagnosed type 1 diabetes.
Understanding type 1 diabetes
More than 2 million.
Every life matters.
Behind every number is a person, a family, and a daily need for dependable care.
THE NATIONAL PICTURE / CDC ESTIMATES
Type 1 diabetes in America.
ADULTS
1.8 million
Adults ages 20 and older living with diagnosed type 1 diabetes.
CHILDREN & TEENS
314,000
Children and adolescents younger than 20 with diagnosed type 1 diabetes.
Source: CDC National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2026 publication. These are estimates of diagnosed type 1 diabetes; figures are rounded. Checked October 1, 2026. This campaign’s “more than 2 million” reflects the CDC’s 2.1 million estimate.
THE BASICS
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease: the immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin helps the body use blood sugar for energy. Most people with type 1 need insulin every day to survive.
It can develop at any age. It is not caused by eating too much sugar.
Sources: NIDDK: Type 1 Diabetes; CDC: Type 1 Diabetes.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
Type 1 and type 2 are different conditions.
| Type 1 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens? | The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. | The body does not use insulin effectively and may not make enough. |
| Treatment | Usually requires daily insulin. | May include lifestyle changes, medicines, and insulin. |
| Who develops it? | Can develop at any age. | Can develop in adults and young people. |
Needing insulin does not by itself tell you which type someone has. Both conditions deserve effective care and support.
Source: NIDDK: What Is Diabetes?
THE DAILY IMPACT
A condition that needs attention every day.
Ongoing management
Daily care includes insulin, glucose monitoring, and planning around meals and activity. Medicines, devices, and appointments can be expensive.
Immediate risks
Severe low blood sugar can require another person’s help. Too little insulin can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous buildup of acids called ketones.
Long-term health
High blood sugar can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Effective management can prevent or delay complications.
WHY WE ADVOCATE
Better access.
More possibilities.
Islet transplantation replaces insulin-producing cells. It may reduce or eliminate injected insulin for selected patients, but requires anti-rejection medicine and is not a guaranteed permanent cure.
Our campaign connects this treatment potential to a policy goal: broader access to safe, effective care. The national population figures describe the community affected by type 1 diabetes; they do not mean every person is currently eligible for transplantation.
Medical source: NIDDK: Pancreatic Islet Transplantation.
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