There are 2 types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2 This guide talks about type 1 diabetes and how it is developed.
- Type 1 diabetes usually happens to young people.
- You don’t catch diabetes, it isn’t a bug. You ‘develop’ diabetes.
- When doctors find someone has type 1 diabetes, this is called being diagnosed.
- People with type 1 diabetes are usually diagnosed when they are under 10, but can happen at any age
- Type 1 diabetes happens when the body does not produce enough insulin. This means that glucose produced in the breakdown of food (digestion) stays in the blood.
- Following diagnosis with type 1 diabetes, the body requires insulin injections, or insulin using an insulin pump.
- Insulin injections are usually done after breakfast, and after supper. However, this changes depending on the patient and the insulin used.
- Some insulin lasts for a short time, and some lasts for a long time. But your doctor will tell you all about that.
Type 1 diabetes is a condition that need to be managed. Read about managing type 1 diabetes
New words to remember:
Type 1 diabetes, Diagnosed, insulin injections, insulin pump