Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition where your immune system destroys the cells that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that lets sugar (glucose) move from your blood into your cells to be used for energy. Without it, sugar builds up in your blood.
It usually starts in childhood or young adulthood, but it can start at any age. It is not caused by diet or lifestyle.
Symptoms: the 4 Ts
Diabetes UK uses the 4 Ts to help people spot type 1 diabetes:
- Toilet: peeing more, especially at night, or bedwetting in a child who was dry
- Thirsty: being very thirsty
- Tired: feeling very tired
- Thinner: losing weight without trying
Other signs include blurred vision, thrush and cuts that heal slowly. Symptoms can come on quickly, over days or weeks.
Getting diagnosed
A finger-prick or blood test shows high blood sugar. If type 1 diabetes is suspected, you will usually be referred to a specialist team the same day, because treatment needs to start quickly.
Treatment
Everyone with type 1 diabetes needs insulin, by injection or pump. You will learn to check your glucose, count carbohydrates and adjust your insulin. See type 1 diabetes treatment.
Your yearly checks
You should have these checks at least once a year, to catch any problems early:
- HbA1c blood test (your average blood sugar)
- eye screening
- foot check
- kidney tests
- blood pressure and cholesterol
Common questions
Is type 1 diabetes caused by eating too much sugar?
No. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. It is not caused by diet or lifestyle, and nothing you did caused it.
Can type 1 diabetes be cured?
Not yet. It is managed with insulin every day for life. Research into new treatments is ongoing, and technology such as sensors and insulin pumps is making daily life easier.
Sources we used
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