About Type 1 Diabetes

This used to be called insulin dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. These names were confusing because many people who get Type 1 diabetes are not children or young people, and some adults with Type 2 diabetes use insulin to control their diabetes, but they are not dependent on insulin to stay alive like people with Type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes can and does occur at any age. It often affects people under the age of 40. It is the least common form of diabetes, with just 10 –15% of all people with diabetes having Type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is caused when the body’s immune system is triggered into thinking the insulin-making cells of the pancreas are foreign. The immune system sets to work and kills off those cells completely just as it would kill a virus, such as the flu, that attacks the body. With those cells gone the body cannot make any insulin and this has to be replaced so that the person can stay alive.

At the moment insulin is most frequently administered by injection (often several injections every day), or through an insulin pump. This pump provides a small constant dose of insulin, which can be topped up quickly by an extra amount if needed, such as at meal times or during an illness. Insulin pumps are small pumping devices worn outside the body. A small flexible tube inserted under the skin of the abdomen allows insulin to enter the body. Other ways of taking insulin may be possible in the future. Research is already underway to improve islet cell implants and other such procedures to make them suitable for more people with Type 1 Diabetes.

Who is most likely to get Type l diabetes?

We don’t yet know the exact cause of Type 1 diabetes but we do know it has a strong family link. People who have a family history of autoimmune diseases (diseases where the body attacks itself) such as thyroid disease, lupus or pernicious anaemia seem to have more chance of developing Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes can only occur when something such as a viral infection triggers the immune system to destroy the insulin-making cells in the pancreas. This is called an autoimmune reaction. We also know that many more people have the susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes than ever get diabetes. If the autoimmune system is not triggered, Type 1 diabetes does not occur.

Whilst Type 1 diabetes is not caused by lifestyle events such as putting on weight or getting older, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, adequate rest and relaxation, nutritious food and so on.

A healthy lifestyle is very important for keeping well, caring for diabetes and lessening the chance of developing problems caused by diabetes.

Can Type 1 diabetes be prevented or cured?

While a great deal of research is being done, at this stage nothing can be done to prevent or cure Type 1 diabetes