T1D is a lifelong condition that affects how your body uses sugar for energy.
When someone has T1D, their immune system, which is the body's natural defense system, mistakenly attacks and destroys beta cells in the pancreas. Beta cells are important because they make insulin, which helps move sugar (glucose) from your blood into your body’s cells to be used as energy.
When beta cells are damaged, the body can no longer make enough insulin. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of fueling the body. This leads to high blood sugar levels and the need for daily insulin. T1D can affect people of any age, but it most often begins in children, teens, and young adults.Footnote1
Insulin helps move sugar (glucose) from the blood into the body’s cells, where it is used for energy.
Without insulin:
Because people living with T1D can’t make enough insulin on their own, they need to take insulin every day to stay healthy.Footnote2
T1D develops over time and is usually divided into 4 stages. Many people don’t notice symptoms until Stage 3, when most beta cells have stopped making insulin.
Stage 1
Autoantibodies are present in the blood, meaning the immune system has started attacking beta cells. Blood sugar levels are still normal, and there are no symptoms.
Stage 2
Autoantibodies are still present, and beta cell loss continues. Blood sugar levels may start to change, but symptoms are often mild or not noticeable.
Stage 3
Blood sugar levels become high enough to cause symptoms. This is when most people are diagnosed with T1D and begin insulin treatment. The CNP-103 Clinical Trial is enrolling teens and adults who have been recently diagnosed at this stage of the disease.
Stage 4
Most beta cells have stopped working. People with T1D rely on insulin every day to manage blood sugar and stay healthy.Footnote3
Learn more about the CNP-103 Clinical Trial with these resources. They can help you, your family, and your doctor understand the study and decide if participation might be right for you.
Download the study brochure to learn more about the CNP-103 Clinical Trial.
Find support and education for families living with T1D.
Learn about programs and events for children with T1D in the Colorado area.
Learn about T1D programs and events in the Washington area.