What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes

Currently affecting as many as 40 million people worldwide, this is by far the less common of the two main types of diabetes. It was thought to occur predominantly in children and young people but is now known to occur later in life as well. With modern care, the latest drugs and technology, living with type 1 diabetes is easier today than it has ever been.

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition where the body mistakenly attacks its own insulin-producing beta cells – resulting in an insulin deficiency. The main symptoms include increased thirst, weight loss and frequent urination.

No one knows yet why this type of diabetes is so variable among different groups of people and in different countries, or why it’s steadily on the rise. There may be a genetic susceptibility in some populations, and some believe that environmental factors – like toxins, viruses or early diet – could be partly to blame.

Maintaining normal glucose levels with varying eating habits Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections. And with modern care, including the use of sensor technology, we can now achieve good glucose levels without hypoglycaemia (i.e. low blood sugar).

We use the latest insulins, pumps and drugs to prevent weight gain, which can be a real problem for some patients.

A “zero tolerance” approach to low blood sugar

The negative effects of hypoglycaemia on quality of life, sleep, and on the heart are now increasingly appreciated, which is why we now aim for “zero tolerance” to hypoglycaemia.

Always at the cutting edge of diabetes care

We know that diabetes care and the use of new technology and treatments are moving fast; we are often the first diabetes clinic in the UK to trial new, potentially life-enhancing innovations to assess them for our patients. We aim to be right at the cutting edge of modern diabetes care while taking a supportive, informed and a caring approach in advising our experienced patients.

Support Plans

Peace of Mind Plan

Continuous monitoring of your glucose readings by an expert team
Stay alert of any trends or issues that arise in your readings
Together with your diabetes specialist nurse, agree an action plan if a serious issue arises

Breathe easy knowing that you’ll also have access to a specialist to clear up any confusion or doubt that you may experience.

Second Opinion

A 30-minute consultation with an experienced Diabetes specialist consultant including a review of your medical history and clinical treatment.
Expert analysis of CGM and blood tests previously performed by your GP or hospital diabetes team.
Individual care-plan and recommendations for treatment, depending on the results of the review.

Expert second opinions in the comfort of your home to help you improve your diabetes control and safeguard your health.

Diabetes Introduction

A 30-minute consultation with an experienced diabetes specialist nurse.
A professional assessment of your diabetes status.
This includes an HbA1C test, which provides a picture of your average blood glucose over the previous few months.

The Diabetes Introduction package is for people who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and those who are worried about their risk of developing the condition.

Consultant Comprehensive Review

A 30-minute consultation with a leading Diabetes specialist consultant
Pathology tests including HbA1C, cholesterol and lipids, full blood count and analysis of liver, kidney and thyroid function.
Bespoke care plan to improve your diabetes management.

The Comprehensive Consultant Review is our in-depth consultation. It provides a more comprehensive assessment of your diabetes and general health.

Diabetes Weight Management

You will be supervised throughout by a leading Diabetes consultant specialising in weight management including at least one consultation
You will be provided with appropriate advanced weight loss control medication at least a 4 week programme
Bespoke plan to improve your diabetes weight management and support throughout the programme from your dedicated Health Coach to encourage you and answer any questions

The London Diabetes Centre provides a range of remote weight management plans so you can access the support you need to reach your health goals, wherever you live.

Risk Assessment

A 30-minute consultation with a DSN or diabetes dietitian
Diabetes risk questionnaire
Height, weight, blood pressure, HbA1c blood test and Body Composition Analysis

Our plan is designed for patients who have not been diagnosed with diabetes who want to check their current health status and understand if they are at risk of developing diabetes.

Second Opinion

A 45-minute diabetes consultant consultation with written report
A 60-minute diabetes dietitian or DSN appointment
Height, weight, blood pressure, HbA1c blood test and glucose test

Our plan is designed for recently diagnosed patients who are unsure about their diagnosis and need a second opinion or need help deciding on their care plan.

Protocol

A 45-minute diabetes consultant consultation with written report
A 60-minute diabetes dietitian or DSN appointment
Height, Weight & Blood Pressure, HBA1c, Blood Glucose, Urine Alb/Cr and other tests

This Gold Standard in diabetes assessment will cover most people’s fundamental requirements for diabetes care.

Premuim

45 minute consultation with Diabetes Consultant to discuss the results and provide a written report
Advanced Lipoprotein Analysis
An OCT - Optical coherence tomography, Ankle and Toe Brachial Index and DEXA scan

This premium plan includes an in depth assessment of your diabetes status and also your wider health risks concerning cholesterol and metabolic health

Looking to speak with a member of our team?

Carol Willis

Carol Willis - Diabetes Clinic Facilitator

If you couldn’t find what you were looking for today, feel free to give us a call at 0800 048 3330 and ask Carol and her team. Alternatively, just fill in this form and someone will get in touch with you promptly. By using this form, you are consenting to the storage and handling of the data contained in the form by our team.