Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes or insulin dependant diabetes is usually seen in young people and happens suddenly where the body's autoimmune response attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas.

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 10% of the diabetes in the UK. It used to be called Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile onset diabetes as it normally happens in children and teenagers, and is commonest between the ages of 10 and 14. It is caused by an autoimmune response where the body attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas as though they were foreign tissue and destroys them. This condition is fatal without insulin therapy for the rest of their life.

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes In Adults (LADA) is a form of Type 1 diabetes that occurs in adults and is caused by an autoimmune reaction where the insulin producing cells in the pancreas are attacked by your own immune system. It is easily confused with Type 2 diabetes but will ultimately require insulin therapy. 10-25% of diabetics diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes may actually be suffering from Latent Autoimmune Diabetes In Adults (LADA).

What Are The Health Risks Of Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a serious disease as it at least doubles your chance of dying, and increases your chance of heart disease, kidney failure and nerve damage due to the underlying changes in the way your body works. These can lead to blindness and amputations if the diabetes is poorly controlled. (See Health Problems Caused By Diabetes). 

How Is Type 1 Diabetes Treated?

Type 1 diabetes is treated by insulin therapy requiring regular insulin injections at least once a day combined with a regular pattern of eating and exercise. Blood glucose meters together with blood glucose test strips and lancets and lancing devices are used to regularly check blood glucose levels to see that they are within the normal range, and if not then the diet or insulin dosage is adjusted as agreed in your diabetes care plan from your doctor.