The risk for type 1 diabetes might be higher than you think
Type 1 diabetes
can happen to anyone
Anyone can develop autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D), no matter their age, family history, or lifestyle choices. But if just 1 family member has T1D, your risk multiplies by up to 15X.
UP TO90%
of people diagnosed have NO FAMILY HISTORY
UP TO15X
the risk if EVEN 1 family member has T1D
Certain autoimmune or viral conditions can also increase your risk
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes isn’t known—and that means many of the risk factors are unknown too. But certain other conditions can increase your risk:
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes isn’t known—and that means many of the risk factors are unknown too. But certain other conditions can increase your risk:
Having an autoimmune condition or a history of autoimmune conditions in your family could put you or your loved one at higher risk. These autoimmune conditions include:
- celiac disease
- Hashimoto's disease
Some common viruses could also increase the risk. These include common illnesses that you may have heard of, like:
- coxsackievirus B
- rotavirus (which often causes diarrhea)
- mumps
- a virus related to herpes called cytomegalovirus (CMV)
TYPE 1 DIABETES
CAN HAPPEN AT
ANY AGE
even as an adult
Some people think of type 1 diabetes as a children’s disease—more likely to affect kids. But over half the people who are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes get diagnosed as adults. That means that you or a loved one could still be at risk for T1D—at any age.
Type 1 Risk Quiz
This quiz is intended for people age 18 years and older.
Could you or a loved one be at risk?
The risk of autoimmune type 1 diabetes is real—so take this easy quiz to help find out if you or a loved one might be at risk. Then, make the move to talk to a doctor about screening.
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This information is based on the answers that you provided and our current understanding of the risk of developing type 1. The actual risk may be higher or lower based on a number of different factors.