Type 1 Diabetes
What is type 1 diabetes?
In type 1 diabetes the pancreas fails to produce insulin, a hormone which transports sugar (glucose) from foods into the body’s cells, where it can be used to produce energy.
If insulin is not produced by the pancreas, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of getting into the body's cells, causing high blood glucose levels which can lead to serious complications.
Type 1 diabetes accounts for around 10% of all people with diabetes globally and though
it most commonly develops below the age of 40, this is not always the case.
Thankfully, type 1 diabetes is now a perfectly manageable condition and range of treatment methods are available to help people live healthy and comfortable lives.
Symptoms
When the pancreas stops producing insulin, your body tries to find new ways to get rid of glucose. This results in a person developing symptoms which can be used be used to diagnose type 1 diabetes.
Understanding these symptoms is crucial to preventing early complications caused by high sugar levels.
- Severe tiredness. Carbohydrates cannot be converted into energy, resulting in tiredness.
- Frequent urination. The body uses the kidneys to flush out glucose though urine.
- Thirst. The body attempts to replace lost fluid.
- Recurrent infections. Bacteria and fungi are attracted to high glucose
- Visual changes. Due to temporary changes in lens shape caused by high glucose.
- Unplanned weight loss. Due to glucose loss and uncontrolled breakdown of body fat.
Causes of type 1
The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but due to decades of scientific research, we are closer to discovering what causes type 1 and what risk factors may trigger the condition.
We do know that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune issue, where the body produces antibodies to the pancreas, damaging it and preventing it producing insulin. Without insulin, the body cannot use glucose to produce energy, resulting in high glucose levels in the bloodstream.
At DRWF, we have made a significant commitment to Islet Cell research and transplant. To read more about our programmes, visit our research page.
Treatment
Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin, which has to be injected or infused daily. There are many different types of insulin delivery-mechanisms, and healthcare professionals can help to advise on these for individuals.
Insulin injection sites should always be rotated, otherwise fatty pads may build up under the skin if insulin is injected repeatedly in the same area. This can affect insulin absorption and its action on glucose levels.
Sharps, needles and lancets always need to be disposed of carefully, with sharps bins available on prescription.
If you have type 1 diabetes, your healthcare team will help you find the right insulin for you, as well as offering advice and support.
Blood Sugar Levels
Generally, the glucose range to aim for is around 4–10mmol before meals and up to 10mmol two hours after meals – although levels must be tailored to individual needs.
These levels should not be confused with a blood test usually performed at your GP surgery called an HbA1c. This gives a measure of the amount of glucose in the blood in the preceding three months – the aim for that is 48-58mmol/mol.
However, as with daily glucose target levels, this range may also be personalised depending on the situation.
How is it different from type 2 diabetes?
In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas fails to produce insulin and treatment is required for life. It can be diagnosed at any age, but it is most common in children and young adults.
In type 2 diabetes the pancreas either fails to produce enough insulin, or produces insulin which is ineffective and cannot be used by the body.
Type 2 is usually diagnosed in people over the age of 40 and is strongly linked to poor lifestyle choices and obesity, with the backbone of management focusing on healthy eating and exercise.
It is also the most common form of diabetes, accounting for around 90% of everyone living with diabetes.
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