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Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes means that the body cannot regulate blood glucose levels on its own.  Glucose is a type of sugar.

  • It is a chronic condition that stays with people all their lives.
  • It has life-long impact on those diagnosed with it.
  • People with Type 1 Diabetes rely on insulin injections and pump infusions every day just to stay alive.
  • Type 1 Diabetes can happen at any age. 
  • Type 1 Diabetes affects about 350,000 people in the UK.
  • Type 1 Diabetes can happen to anyone and is not caused by anything that the person with Type 1 Diabetes, did or did not do.

What causes Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body's own immune system attacking and destroying the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (beta-cells).  The triggers are still unknown.

Type 1 Diabetes ....

  • is not caused by eating too many sweets or the wrong kind of food.
  • is not caused by being overweight.
  • is not the same as Type 2 Diabetes - which is when the cells in the body become resistant to insulin.
  • does not mean you cannot eat sugar.
  • does not mean you cannot play sports.

How is Type 1 Diabetes treated?

  • The only treatment for Type 1 Diabetes is to give replacement insulin.
  • Insulin can only be given by injection or through an insulin pump.
  • Insulin is normally given at least two times a day and sometimes six or more.
  • The aim of Type 1 Diabetes treatment is to help the body keep blood glucose inthe normal range (between 4-7mmol/L)
  • People with Type 1 Diabetes must test their blood regularly to find out the exact level of glucose in their blood.  This is done with a fingerprick test.

What is a "Hypo"?

A "hypo" occurs when the level of glucose in the blood falls too low for the body to work properly.  The symptoms of a hypo may include:

  • Inability to concentrate
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Mental confusion
  • Blurred/double vision
  • Feeling cold and clammy
  • Having pale, moist skin
  • Sweating
  • Extreme hunger
  • Shallow breathing
  • Shakiness
  • Loss of co-ordination

It is important to treat a hypo immediately to restore a safe level of glucose in the blood.  Treatment of a hypo is personal to each individual but a good rule of thumb is 200ml of fresh fruit juice/full sugar Cola or three or four glucose tablets/jelly babies.

THIS INFORMATION IS IN NO WAY MEANT TO REPLACE MEDICAL ADVICE AND IS PURELY A LAY-PERSON'S EXPLANATION.

Signs and Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

 

The onset of the symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes are usually quite rapid, over weeks rather than months.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact your GP or hospital

  • More frequent urination
  • Thirst
  • Tiredness
  • Weight loss