Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin dependant diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes. There is no insulin produced by the body in this condition, hence the sugar does not get utilized by the cells to convert it into energy. The patient is dependant on insulin from outward sources to maintain the sugar levels. The person can be a type 1 diabetic from birth or can get it in adolescence.

Autoimmune Response: this is the most widespread and frequent cause of type 1 diabetes.  The cells of the body that produce insulin are over a period of time destroyed by one’s own immunity system. It is not known what starts this self destruction process by the body, but few researches conclude that it is a combination of one’s genetics and environmental factors like viral infections lead to it.

Genetic Factors: Type 1 can also be caused due to genetic disorder. There are such 18 locations that can result in a child getting type 1 diabetes.

Viruses: some researches also conclude that viral infections also result in Type 1 diabetes to an individual who is already susceptible due to genetics. Epidemics of Coxsackie virus, as well as mumps and congenital rubella, have been associated with incidence of type 1 diabetes.