At a glance
- As many as 3 million Americans may have type 1 diabetes.
- Each year more than 15,000 children are diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. That’s 40 children per day.
- 22% of hospital impatient days in the U.S. were incurred by people with diabetes in 2007.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.
While the causes of this process are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved.
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Did you know?
- Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.3 billion to diabetes research, including more than $156 million in FY2008.
- More than 85 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education.
- The “National Bill” for hospital stays related to diabetes totaled $58.3 billion in 2007.