Watch this helpful Diabetes UK film HERE
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.
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’re 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 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.
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 HERE.
FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring
Essex Diabetic Eye Screening Programme
Coeliac UK – Live Well Gluten Free
T1 Resources
“About 8% of people with diabetes in the UK have Type 1 diabetes.” (Diabetes UK)
