Type 1 Diabetes
If you have type 1 diabetes, your blood glucose is too high because your body cannot make a hormone called insulin.
The cause of type 1 diabetes is not known – but we do know it’s not caused by diet or lifestyle.
Although type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood, people can develop type 1 diabetes at any age.
Symptoms of diabetes
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Toilet – going for a wee more often, especially at night.
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Thirsty – being constantly thirsty and not being able to quench it.
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Tired – being incredibly tired and having no energy.
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Thinner – losing weight without trying to or looking thinner than usual.
How is type 1 diabetes treated?
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Insulin is the main treatment for type 1 diabetes.
You will need daily insulin injections or you will use an insulin pump (a small device that you attach to your body) which releases insulin.
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Although insulin is the only medication for type 1 diabetes, some people with type 1 diabetes may also be prescribed other medication to make your body more sensitive to insulin e.g. Metformin tablets.
Type 1 Diabetes education
DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating)
This is a course that is jointly delivered by a Dietitian and Diabetes Specialist nurse, along with input from our diabetes consultants. DAFNE is available as a 5-day face to face course or online over a 6 week period.
DAFNE is more than a carbohydrate counting programme, although learning and refining the skills necessary to count the carbohydrate in each meal and to inject the right dose of insulin are an important part of the course.
DAFNE aims to help people with type 1 diabetes lead as normal a life as possible, whilst also maintaining blood glucose levels within healthy targets, to reduce the risk of long-term diabetes complications.
Interested in attending the DAFNE education course? Ask your diabetes specialist nurse or your diabetes consultant for a referral.