What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition in which your blood glucose levels are too high due to your pancreas being unable to produce any insulin.
Type 1 diabetes is sometimes referred to as ‘juvenile’ diabetes or ‘early-onset’ diabetes because it often develops before the age of 40. However, it is important to note that type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease and can happen at any age.
What causes type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is when the body attacks the pancreas which prevents it from producing any insulin, a hormone that regulates your blood glucose levels.
We are still not sure what causes type 1 diabetes as it does not have anything to do with diet or lifestyle – it just happens!
Type 1 diabetes causes high blood glucose levels because when your body produces its own glucose and when you consume carbohydrates from food and drink, your body turns it into glucose (sugar). However, because you cannot produce any insulin, the glucose in your bloodstream is not allowed into your body’s cells. Instead, the glucose builds up in your bloodstream, resulting in high blood glucose levels.
Managing type 1 diabetes
Those living with type 1 diabetes will need to replace their missing insulin either by injecting it or using an insulin pump. It is also important that you regularly monitor your blood glucose levels to make sure they are not too low or too high.
It is important because if your blood glucose levels are high for a long period of time, it can cause serious damage to your heart, eyes, feet and kidneys. These are known as complications of diabetes.
If you have been diagnosed as having type 1 diabetes, you will need to take insulin for life. This condition can be self-managed and you can lead a full and healthy life.
Further information about living with diabetes can be found below:
Visit the Diabetes UK website for more information on type 1 diabetes (Opens in a new window)
Read more about type 1 diabetes on the NHS website (Opens in a new window)
Key facts about type 1 diabetes
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. The right food choices can help you maintain your long-term health.
It is important that your blood glucose levels remain as near to normal as possible. This is individual to each person, so target levels must be agreed between the person and their diabetes team.
The type of medication you require will depend on your own individual needs and situation. It is important that diabetes medication is taken properly and regularly.
Useful resources
FreeStyle Libre Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Visit the FreeStyle Libre website for resources and support for real-time glucose monitoring (Opens in a new window)
Dexcom
Find out how Dexcom can help you better manage your type 1 diabetes (Opens in a new window)
Essex Diabetic Eye Screening Programme
Visit the Essex Diabetic Eye Screening Programme website for details of clinic locations and how to book an appointment (Opens in a new window)
Coeliac UK – Live Well Gluten Free
Coeliac disease is more common in people who have type 1 because they are both autoimmune diseases.
For further information on Coeliac disease, visit the Coeliac UK website (Opens in a new window)
The T1 website provides resources to help manage type 1 diabetes (Opens in a new window)
Insulin Pumps
Find information on what closed loop systems are on the Diabetes UK website (Opens in a new window)
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