How is type 1 diabetes treated?

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas makes little or no insulin, so insulin needs to be replaced every day. It may be given by injections or an insulin pump. Glucose readings help you and your care team adjust doses around meals, activity, illness and changing routines.

A diabetes education programme can teach carbohydrate awareness, injection technique, glucose checks, equipment use and sick-day rules. Regular reviews assess glucose patterns, injection sites, blood pressure, feet, eyes, kidneys and general wellbeing.

Use insulin exactly as prescribed and keep a supply of treatment equipment and fast-acting carbohydrate. Check glucose as advised, record unusual readings and carry identification that shows you use insulin. Do not stop insulin during illness unless your diabetes team gives specific instructions.

Learn how to recognise and treat hypoglycaemia, which can cause sweating, shaking, hunger, dizziness, irritability or confusion. Ask your team for an individual plan for exercise, travel, vomiting and missed meals.

Treat suspected hypoglycaemia promptly according to your plan. Get urgent help for severe confusion, a seizure, loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, deep or rapid breathing, severe dehydration or glucose levels that remain very high with illness. These can signal a dangerous insulin shortage.

Ask how to adjust insulin for meals and exercise, what to do during illness, when to check ketones if advised, how often reviews are needed, and which devices could make monitoring easier.