Type 1 diabetes - understanding the condition

It can be helpful to learn as much as you can about diabetes, starting with the main types:

• Type 1 diabetes: the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, preventing your body from producing insulin².
• Type 2 diabetes: primarily caused by insulin resistance, often associated with obesity and ageing³    .
• Gestational diabetes: develops from pregnancy complications and typically resolves after birth, but increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life⁴.

We recommend you speak to your doctor if you have any specific questions about the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Insulin is critical in helping glucose enter your body’s cells for energy. In the absence of insulin, blood glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to very high blood sugar levels and other potential complications⁵.

Remember that type 1 diabetes is not caused by poor lifestyle choices. Type 1 diabetes has no known prevention and is influenced by genetic factors as well as environmental factors⁶.

A type 1 diabetes diagnosis can feel life-altering. Many experience fear, anxiety, or grief as they come to terms with their symptoms. It's important to know that you're not alone and that there is help readily available to you for managing diabetes complications.

Adjusting to life with type 1 diabetes involves learning new skills, including how to:

• Manage insulin
• Monitor your blood sugar levels
• Adjust the above in line with food intake and activity

Research shows that education and early psychosocial support help to improve long-term outcomes of diabetes management⁷.

General social and emotional support also plays a powerful role. Peer groups and counselling services can significantly help reduce diabetes-related distress⁸.

Early symptoms of type 1 diabetes can be easy to miss and may require a blood test for proper identification. Signs to look out for include^9,10:

• Excessive urination: as your body expels excess glucose
• Extreme thirst: resulting from urination
• Muscle cramps: as fluid loss creates an imbalance in electrolytes in your blood
• Rapid weight loss: as your body uses fat for energy when cells cannot absorb glucose
• Tiredness and fatigue: as energy from glucose cannot reach your body’s cells
• Thrush/genital itching, yeast infections: as glucose in urine provides a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria
• Blurry vision: caused by high glucose levels in the fluid of your eye
• Sweet or fruity-smelling breath: as acids are released when your body uses non-glucose energy sources

Early diagnosis significantly improves health outcomes. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs, it's important not to wait to get tested.

Tests your doctor may recommend include¹¹:

• Random blood sugar test: to check your current blood sugar level
• Fasting blood sugar test: to assess blood sugar after a period of not eating
• Blood glucose meter: a handheld device that can measure your blood sugar level
• HbA_1c test: gives an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months
• Urine test: may detect glucose or ketones
• Autoantibody tests: to confirm type 1 diabetes, especially if the diagnosis isn’t clear

If type 1 diabetes is not diagnosed or managed early, it can lead to a range of short and long-term health complications. Delaying treatment can cause acute complications and increase the risk of developing more serious conditions over time, including:

• Bacterial and fungal infections
• Cardiovascular disease
• Coeliac disease
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina)
• Digestive and kidney diseases
• Severe hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia from changes in blood glucose levels
• Very high blood pressure

Living with type 1 diabetes involves ongoing decisions and adjustments that can make a meaningful difference to your day-to-day life. Below are some general tips and advice for you to follow.

• Communicate your needs with teachers or managers
• Keep fast-acting glucose and snacks on hand
• Plan for breaks to test blood sugar or insulin injections

• Use apps or carb guides to estimate meals
• Don’t be afraid to ask about ingredients
• Pre-bolus (inject insulin ahead of time) when needed

Studies confirm that structured preparation significantly reduces travel-related complications. Best practices for your travel plan include¹²:

• Pack double the insulin, test strips, and supplies
• Keep insulin cool but avoid freezing
• Carry a medical ID and doctor’s letter
• Be aware of time zone changes for insulin timing

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with type 1 diabetes for years, regular conversations with your doctor can make a big difference to your health and quality of life. Preparing questions ahead of time about next steps and treatment will ensure you cover what matters most to you.

• What are my blood sugar targets?
  Your ideal glucose range may depend on age, lifestyle, and health status. Clear targets help guide daily management and reduce risks of complications¹³.

• How do I adjust insulin for exercise, illness, or stress?
  Physical activity and illness can cause unpredictable blood sugar changes. Understanding how to adjust your insulin can help prevent both highs and lows¹⁴.

• What complications should I be aware of?
  Regular check-ups for eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart health are vital. Ask which screenings you need and how often¹⁵.

• Is a CGM or insulin pump right for me?
  Technologies like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps can improve control and reduce the burden of diabetes management. Your doctor can help you explore what’s best for your lifestyle¹⁶.

Living with diabetes is different for everyone. But hearing real stories from adults, parents and young children can provide comfort and remind you that while your condition presents challenges, it doesn’t define who you are. Advancements in diabetes technology mean you can also live normally in many aspects of your life.

Whether in-person or online, community support from the diabetes community can be a powerful tool in diabetes care that you can benefit from and contribute to. In fact, research shows that people who engage in peer support often feel more empowered and better equipped to manage their diabetes day-to-day¹⁷.

The support you receive and give can also help reduce feelings of isolation, build confidence in managing your daily care, and remind you that you don’t have to live alone with your diagnosis.

With the right knowledge, tools, and support, living with type 1 diabetes therefore becomes far less of a burden and something that can be effectively managed as part of your everyday life.