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
Looking to speak with a member of our team?
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.