Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes used to be known as ‘insulin dependent’ diabetes. It is more common in people in younger years and occurs when the body can no longer make its own insulin. About 5-10% of people with diabetes have Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes can develop very quickly. With Type 1, the body’s immune system kills off its own insulin producing cells. The reasons for this are not known but it is clear that people with this form of diabetes have a genetic predisposition to the condition. We think that diabetes can then be triggered by an attack of a virus or chemical – such as rubella, measles or influenza. The body’s immune system eventually destroys the beta cells in the pancreas which are necessary to produce insulin.
A certain amount of insulin is essential for the body to function and people with Type 1 Diabetes will need to take insulin for life. The person will need to take insulin to ensure correct blood sugar levels are maintained.
Your diabetes team will advise you on the most appropriate type of insulin treatment for you.