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What is type 1 diabetes?
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a serious condition where your blood glucose (sugar) level is too high because your body can’t make a hormone called insulin.
This happens because your body attacks the cells in your pancreas that make the insulin, meaning you can’t produce any at all.
We all need insulin to live. It does an essential job. It allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies.
When you have type 1 diabetes, your body still breaks down the carbohydrate from food and drink and turns it into glucose. But when the glucose enters your bloodstream, there’s no insulin to allow it into your body’s cells. More and more glucose then builds up in your bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels.
What causes type 1 diabetes?
What causes type 1 diabetes?
We’re still not sure what causes type 1 diabetes to develop. It’s got nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. But researchers and scientists around the world are working hard to find answers. We do know that some people are more likely to develop Type 1 diabetes than others and this can be idenitfied using a blood test. This is the basis of the INGR1D2 study
Is type 1 diabetes serious?
Is type 1 diabetes serious?
About 8% of people with diabetes in the UK have type 1 diabetes. It’s a serious and lifelong condition.
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the heart, eyes, feet and kidneys. These are known as the complications of diabetes. But many of these long-term problems can be prevented by getting the right treatment and care.
Learn more about diabetes complications.
Managing type 1 diabetes
Managing type 1 diabetes
Managing type 1 diabetes can be challenging, but there is support available such as from Diabetes UK. Exercising, eating a healthy, balanced diet, and lifestyle changes can make a difference to how people with type 1 diabetes feel.
Diabetes UK also provides information on children and diabetes which you may find useful.
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