What is the first treatment for type 1 diabetes?

In type 1 diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin to move glucose from the bloodstream into cells. Insulin replacement supplies what the body cannot produce and is usually needed every day. Your diabetes team chooses the delivery method and adjusts doses using glucose readings, meals, activity, illness, and your individual response.

A diabetes education programme teaches injection or device technique, glucose checks, meal planning, recognition of low glucose, and sick-day actions. Medication management and chronic disease reviews help keep the plan safe as your needs change.

Use insulin exactly as taught and keep a record of glucose readings, doses, meals, and symptoms while you learn your pattern. Carry a fast source of glucose if your team recommends it, and make sure people close to you know how to recognise and respond to low glucose.

Arrange follow-up with the diabetes team rather than changing doses on your own. Tell them about vomiting, reduced eating, new exercise, pregnancy, medicines, or repeated readings outside your agreed range, as these can alter insulin needs.

Get urgent help for severe drowsiness, confusion, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or suspected severe low glucose that does not improve with the action your care plan gives you. Do not delay emergency advice because a glucose reading later changes.

Ask how to take insulin, when to check glucose, what to do during illness, how to treat low glucose, which readings need a call, and when your next chronic disease review should happen.