What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune condition that can develop at any age. There is nothing anyone can do to prevent T1D, and right now there is no known cure.

When someone develops type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells instead of defending against foreign invaders. In this case, the immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas, which produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that converts glucose from food into energy for the body. Without enough insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a dangerous condition.

There are currently more than 130,000 Australians living with T1D, with a further 8 diagnosed each day. T1D has physical, mental, social and financial impacts on those diagnosed and their loved ones.

Currently the only approved treatment for T1D is insulin, which needs to be taken forever - however this isn't a cure.

Research is the key to changing lives of the thousands of families in Australia who fight this condition every day. JDRF, the world's global leader in T1D research, is committed to funding the best researchers in T1D so we can find cures and improve lives until that happens.

Join us in the walk for a world without T1D, so together we can help support cutting-edge research and change the future of T1D.