Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas stops producing insulin. It is not preventable and it has no cure. The only treatment is lifelong insulin.
What daily life actually looks like
- 4-5 insulin injections every day
- 5 or more finger-prick glucose checks daily
- Night-time monitoring, even at 2:00 AM
- Constant calculations around food, activity and stress
Common myths
Myth: Type 1 Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar.
Fact: It is an autoimmune condition. It is not caused by diet, exercise, obesity or any lifestyle factor.
Myth: It is the same as Type 2 Diabetes.
Fact: They are different conditions. Type 1 requires insulin from diagnosis, for life.
Myth: It can be reversed with diet, yoga or alternative medicine.
Fact: There is no cure. Stopping insulin is life-threatening.
Myth: Children with T1D cannot study, play sport or work like anyone else.
Fact: With good management they can do anything. Our General Secretary is an ultra-marathoner living with T1D since 2002.