Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition in which the body cannot make insulin, the hormone that allows sugar from the blood to enter cells for energy. It is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, blood sugar levels rise, and insulin must be replaced through treatment every day.

Type 1 diabetes is less common than type 2 diabetes but is a major form of diabetes, especially in children and young people. It is often diagnosed in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood, though it can develop at any age. It affects people of all backgrounds and is not linked to lifestyle, weight or diet, unlike type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms often appear quickly and include intense thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Seek emergency medical care immediately if these are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity-smelling breath, or confusion, as these are signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune process in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The exact trigger is not fully understood and is thought to involve a combination of genetic factors and possibly environmental ones. Importantly, it is not caused by eating sugar, being overweight or other lifestyle factors, and it cannot be prevented.

Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed using blood tests that measure blood sugar levels, sometimes alongside a longer-term blood sugar measurement. Urine may also be tested. Further blood tests can help confirm the type of diabetes and identify the autoimmune process behind it. Because symptoms can develop rapidly, prompt testing and diagnosis are important so that insulin treatment can begin without delay.

Type 1 diabetes is managed with lifelong insulin, given by injection or an insulin pump, as the body can no longer make its own. Day-to-day care involves monitoring blood sugar levels, balancing food and activity, and adjusting insulin accordingly, supported by a healthcare team. The aim is to keep blood sugar within a healthy range, which helps people feel well and reduces the risk of complications.

Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented, because it is an autoimmune condition and is not caused by lifestyle. The focus instead is on early recognition of symptoms and on preventing complications once diagnosed. Keeping blood sugar well managed, attending regular check-ups and following a personalised care plan all help protect long-term health and reduce the risk of problems over time.