What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term condition caused by too much glucose in the blood.
The amount of glucose in the blood is controlled by insulin which is produced by the pancreas. When food is digested, insulin moves glucose out of the blood and into the cells, where it is broken down to produce energy.
In people with diabetes, this process cannot happen, because there is not enough insulin or the insulin does not work properly. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body produces no insulin.
How common is Type 1 Diabetes?
Diabetes affects around 2.8million people in the UK, but type 1 diabetes is much less common, making up only 10% of people with diabetes.
What are the symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes?
The main symptoms of diabetes are feeling very thirsty, producing excessive amounts of urine, tiredness and weight loss. Other symptoms also include getting thrush regularly, blurred vision, cramps, constipation and skin infections.
How is Type 1 Diabetes treated?
Type 1 diabetics will need to be treated with insulin for the rest of their life to keep their glucose levels normal. This could be with insulin injections or insulin pump therapy.
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