Type 1 diabetes, also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease that is more commonly diagnosed in children, but it can develop at any age.The chronic condition occurs when the body's own immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is important because it acts as a gatekeeper and allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells to be changed into energy. With little to no insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and causes high blood sugar levels, which can lead to severe complications including diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening blood chemical imbalance, coma and even death. In contrast, patients with Type 2 diabetes typically make insulin, but the body doesn't use it properly — called insulin resistance — forcing the pancreas to work overtime to help normalize glucose in the blood. If left untreated, the pancreas can't keep up, and high blood sugar puts a strain on arteries and blood cells, which can lead to nerve damage and kidney disease.