This information is general only and does not replace advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels effectively, leading to high blood glucose.
2. What are the common symptoms?
Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. Symptoms often develop quickly over days or weeks.
3. What causes type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The exact cause is not fully understood, but genetics, environmental factors, and possibly viral infections may trigger the immune system to attack the pancreas. It is not caused by lifestyle factors.
4. How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed?
A GP diagnoses it through blood tests measuring blood glucose and the presence of autoantibodies. Symptoms combined with high blood sugar usually confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes, a HbA1c test is also used to assess average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months.
5. How is type 1 diabetes treated?
Treatment involves lifelong insulin therapy, delivered via injections or an insulin pump. Regular blood sugar monitoring, healthy eating, physical activity, and education on carbohydrate counting and insulin dosing are essential for management.
6. Can type 1 diabetes be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Effective management with insulin and lifestyle measures can prevent complications and allow people to live healthy lives. Research into beta-cell transplants and immune therapies is ongoing.
7. What are the risks of uncontrolled type 1 diabetes?
Without proper insulin therapy, blood sugar can rise dangerously, leading to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening emergency. Long-term uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of complications such as eye, kidney, nerve, and cardiovascular problems.
8. How often should blood sugar be monitored?
Monitoring frequency varies depending on treatment, but people on multiple daily insulin injections or pumps usually test several times a day. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can provide real-time readings and trends.
9. Can lifestyle changes help?
Yes. Healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding smoking can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications. Lifestyle changes complement, but do not replace, insulin therapy.
10. When should I see a GP urgently?
Seek urgent medical care if you experience symptoms of high blood sugar or diabetic ketoacidosis, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, or confusion. Early treatment is critical to prevent serious complications.
