If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not make insulin or makes very little insulin. Type 1 diabetes can affect people at any age, but commonly develops in children and young adults. People living with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin injections to control their blood glucose levels. If they do not have access to insulin, they will die.
In 2022, around 8.75 million people with diabetes were living with the condition, with 1.52 million under 20. The exact causes of type 1 diabetes remain unknown. However, research shows that the possibility of developing the condition increases slightly if a family member has it. There are also environmental factors, such as exposure to a viral infection, which can trigger an autoimmune reaction that leads to type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented and there is no cure for the condition.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes
The most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:
- Abnormal thirst and dry mouth
- Sudden weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Lack of energy, tiredness
- Constant hunger
- Blurred vision
- Bedwetting
Diagnosing type 1 diabetes can be difficult, so additional tests may be required to confirm a diagnosis.
Management of type 1 diabetes
People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin treatment, regular blood glucose monitoring and a healthy lifestyle to manage their condition effectively.
Insulin
All people with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin to control their blood glucose levels. There are different types of insulin depending on how quickly they work, when they peak, and how long they last. The three most common ways to take insulin are with a syringe, an insulin pen or an insulin pump.
Types of insulin include:
Rapid-acting like Aspart, Glulisine and Lispro is taken with or before meals to limit blood sugar spikes quickly.
Short-acting , also known as regular or neutral insulin, is taken before meals. It is slower-acting than rapid-acting insulin but may be more suitable for some people. Actrapid, Humulin R, and Insuman Rapid are examples of short-acting insulin.
Intermediate-acting is usually taken with a short-acting one. It begins working within an hour of injection and reaches its peak activity within seven hours. Examples of intermediate-acting insulin are Humulin NPH, Protaphane, and Insulatard.
Long-acting can last up to 24 hours in the body and are usually taken in the morning or before bed. Some examples are Detemir and Glargine.
Two common insulin treatment plans include:
Twice-daily insulin: using both short-acting and intermediate-acting insulin.
Basal bolus regimen: short-acting insulin taken with main meals (usually three times a day) and intermediate-acting insulin given once or twice daily (evening or morning and evening).
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) has emerged as one of the pivotal advancements supporting diabetes management. Unlike self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), which involves finger pricking and blood drawing, CGM devices offer a more user-friendly and less intrusive solution to measure glucose levels. For people living with type 1 diabetes, CGM devices can improve quality of life and well-being by providing real-time data that helps make informed decisions about diet, insulin dosing and overall lifestyle.
The benefits of physical activity
Regular physical activity dramatically benefits people with type 1 diabetes. It improves cardiovascular health, builds strength, aids in weight management and helps manage blood glucose levels. Exercise also boosts mood, reduces stress, and increases mental well-being for a healthy lifestyle.
Healthy eating
People with type 1 diabetes can eat a variety of food without restrictions. The days of following strict guidelines are long gone, thanks to advancements in insulin regimens and delivery systems. However, to help keep blood glucose levels within the target range and delay or avoid diabetes-related complications, people with type 1 diabetes should follow a healthy and balanced diet that includes all major food groups.
Type 1 Diabetes Index
The Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Index is a first of its kind data simulation tool that measures and maps the human and public health impact of type 1 diabetes. The Index uniquely illuminates the human impact of the condition by highlighting “missing people” and “healthy years lost” to type 1 diabetes.
The Index was developed collaboratively by JDRF, Life for a Child, International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), IDF and Beyond Type 1.
Go to the T1D IndexType 1 diabetes resources
Report
Type 1 diabetes estimates in children and adults
This IDF Diabetes Atlas report provides an overview of the methodology and findings of the Type 1 Diabetes Index and dispels misconceptions that type 1 diabetes primarily impacts children and youth.
link to https://diabetesatlas.org/atlas/t1d-index-2022/
Download
Infographic
Type 1 diabetes: a condition that impacts all ages
An infographic highlighting the rising prevalence of type 1 diabetes across the world and the importance of ensuring regular and affordable access to care to manage the condition.
IDF Atlas T1D infographic
pdf
1MB
Online course
Type 1 Diabetes: Overview, Treatments and Targets
This free 25-30 min course offers an overview of what type 1 diabetes is, how it develops, the necessity of daily insulin, and the effects of lifestyle factors on blood glucose levels.
link to https://understandingdiabetes.org/type1-diabetes/en
Access the course
Online course
Insulin and how to use it safely
In this free 25-30 minutes course you will learn what insulin is and why people living with type 1 diabetes and some people living with type 2 and gestational diabetes need to take it.
link to https://understandingdiabetes.org/insulin-safely/en
Access the course
Online course
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Designed for people living with diabetes and their caregivers, this free 30-minute online course focuses on the role of CGM in diabetes management and provides practical information and tips on CGM use.
link to https://understandingdiabetes.org/continuous-glucose-monitoring/en
Access the course
