Understanding Type 1 Diabetes – What You Should Know
August 28, 2025
Many people assume that Type 1 diabetes only affects children—but that’s a myth. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease that can develop at any age, even in adults.
Unlike Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to insulin resistance, Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body can’t produce insulin on its own.
Key Facts About Type 1 Diabetes:
- It’s not caused by diet or lifestyle—it’s an autoimmune condition.
- Anyone can be diagnosed, regardless of age.
- People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin regularly to manage their blood sugar and stay healthy.
Managing Type 1 diabetes takes knowledge, planning, and support. That’s where we come in.
At Jefferson County Health Center, our Diabetes Education Program—led by Amy Martin, RN, CDCES—provides personalized support, tools, and education to help individuals and families manage Type 1 diabetes with confidence. Our program is certified by the American Diabetes Association and the State of Iowa, and most insurance plans cover the service.
To schedule an appointment, call the JCHC Clinics at 641-472-4156.
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