Diabetes is now a rapidly growing disease worldwide and is often referred to as the modern global epidemic. Each year, more than 13,000 young people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, making it a growing chronic disease. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, normally the body's immune system fights off foreign invaders such as viruses or bacteria. Unfortunately, an individual with the immune system of type 1 diabetes attacks various cells in their body and causes a complete deficiency of the hormone insulin. The rapid increase in the incidence of type 1 diabetes in genetically stable populations implies an important role for environmental factors. Individuals suffering from type 1 diabetes have a sugar imbalance and because not enough is transported into the cells, insulin is not produced. When sugar builds up in the blood instead of in the cells, the body abstains and seeks more nutrients, and other bodily functions are responsible for providing energy to the body's essential systems. Although the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, it is often said to be caused by an autoimmune disease. People with type 1 diabetes must be extremely careful because an infection or any other pathogen can cause the body to inadvertently attack the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is also hereditary. Although type 1 diabetes eludes both children and adults, it gets the nickname juvenile diabetes from its prevalence in its diagnosis in children, adolescents, and young adults. Imagine having the responsibility to take on the oh so sensible role of being insulin dependent for the rest of your life, most of which will be under the age of 5. At the...middle of the paper...I found out that my great-grandmother also died of type 2 diabetes. Given public health knowledge, I didn't know about the extinction of diabetes until discovering my family history . Until then I never knew how imminent the level of diabetes could be. This has pushed me to become more aware and create more awareness about diabetes, especially type 1. Unfortunately type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and there is no screening for those who do not develop symptoms. This is unfortunate for young children who must learn to be insulin dependent at age 1. In conclusion, living with type 1 diabetes is not easy; Individuals with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk for anxiety and depression. Understanding that you are not alone is a coping mechanism, becoming more educated is the first step to living a healthier and longer life.