Type 1 diabetes (T1D) can happen to anyone
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and, unlike type 2 diabetes, is not caused by diet or lifestyle. T1D can develop in
anyone no matter their age, family history, or lifestyle choices. But if just 1 family has T1D, your risk multiplies by up to 15X.
Certain autoimmune or viral conditions can increase T1D 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 T1D risk.
Some of these conditions that may increase T1D risk are viruses like Coxsackievirus B, Rotavirus, Mumps, and a virus related to herpes called cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Having an autoimmune condition, like Celiac, Graves or Hashimoto's disease, or a history of autoimmune conditions in your family could also increase T1D risk.
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.
T1D may progress more rapidly in young children
While T1D can affect anyone, the window between Stage 1 T1D and Stage 4 insulin-dependent T1D can be rapid and severe for young children especially, with many young patients first being diagnosed in emergency situations. Younger children, especially those <7 years old, often experience more rapid progression of T1D and often lose beta-cell function more quickly around diagnosis compared with adolescents.
Could you or a loved one be at risk for T1D?
An individual's risk of developing autoimmune type 1 diabetes can vary according to different factors like family history, or the presence of other chronic illnesses. Take this quiz to learn more about your or your loved one's risk for T1D and possible next steps.
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Do you want to learn about you or your loved one's risk?
If you'd like to discover the risks for multiple family members, you'll need to take the quiz for one person at a time.
This content was last reviewed in June 2026