Type 1 Diabetes

You should consult a GP for Type 1 diabetes if you experience any of the following:

• New or worsening symptoms: Increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, or blurry vision.
• Blood sugar fluctuations: If your blood sugar levels are consistently too high or too low
• Ketosis warning signs: Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fruity-smelling breath, confusion, or abdominal pain may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Infection: More prone to infections and delayed healing
• Medication adjustments: If you need a prescription refill, dose change, or advice on insulin therapy
• Online referrals: If you need referrals for endocrinologists, or pathology tests

Some of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:

• Frequent urination: Increased need to urinate, especially at night.
• Excessive thirst: Constant feeling of thirst, even after drinking water.
• Unexplained weight loss: Despite eating normally, the body burns fat and muscle for energy.
• Extreme fatigue: Persistent tiredness due to the body’s inability to use glucose for energy.
• Increased hunger: Constant hunger as the body lacks insulin to convert food into energy.
• Blurry vision: High blood sugar levels can cause swelling in the eye’s lens, leading to vision issues.
• Slow-healing wounds: Cuts, sores, or infections take longer to heal.
• Irritability & mood changes: Blood sugar fluctuations may lead to mood swings.
• Fruity-smelling breath: A sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a dangerous condition requiring urgent medical attention.
• Tingling or numbness: Prolonged high blood sugar can affect nerve function.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This leads to little or no insulin production, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.

Key causes include:

• Genetics: Family history increases the risk.
• Autoimmune response: The body’s immune system mistakenly destroys pancreatic cells.
• Environmental triggers: Viruses, infections, or certain environmental factors may trigger the onset.

Unlike Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise do not cause Type 1 diabetes.

Without proper management, Type 1 diabetes can lead to serious short-term and long-term complications:

Short-term complications:

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): A life-threatening condition caused by high blood sugar and lack of insulin, leading to excess ketone production.
• Hypoglycaemia: Too much insulin or not enough food can cause dizziness, confusion, sweating, or fainting.
• Hyperglycaemia: Can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and blurred vision.

Long-term complications:

• Heart disease & stroke: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels, increasing cardiovascular risks.
• Kidney disease: Excess sugar in the blood can strain the kidneys.
• Nerve damage: Can cause tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet.
• Eye problems: High glucose levels can damage the retina, leading to vision loss.
• Foot ulcers & infections: Poor circulation and nerve damage increase the risk of non-healing wounds.

The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is the cause. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. It requires lifelong insulin therapy. Whereas Type 2 diabetes is primarily linked to lifestyle factors and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin. It can often be managed with diet, exercise, and medication.

A balanced diet with lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and fibre-rich vegetables can help regulate blood sugar levels. Limit processed carbs and sugary drinks.

Yes. Hola Health operates 24/7, including weekends and public holidays, so you can get eScripts, medical advice, doctors note and referrals anytime, anywhere.

Hola Health provides instant access to online doctor referrals 24 hours a day and 7 days a week such as:

• Specialist referrals
• Blood test referrals
• Pathology referrals
• Radiology referrals
• X-ray referrals

If you need a new prescription or renew a repeat script, a web doctor can issue an online prescription that can be sent directly to your phone via SMS after a brief consult. You can fill the prescription at a local pharmacy nearby or order medicine home through online pharmacy delivery.

Yes. If your condition impacts your ability to work, you can request a same-day medical certificate online. After reviewing your request, the online doctor will provide a medical certificate that you can submit to your employer.

Telehealth enables you to connect with a registered practitioner from the comfort of your home. To seek medical advice from a licensed practitioner:

• Start here.
• Click on “See a doctor”
• Fill in your details and make payment
• Speak to a medical practitioner regarding your health condition within 15 minutes
• If warranted, receive medical certificates and referrals via email and online scripts via SMS

Speak to an AHPRA-registered online doctor or health practitioner instantly through 24/7 telehealth services by Hola Health. Here’s how we can help:

• 24/7 access: Get in touch with after-hours doctors anytime, anywhere without waiting in a clinic.
• Instant consults: Speak with a qualified practitioner through a telehealth appointment within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia.
• Scripts online: Access instant scripts sent via SMS and avail home delivery through online pharmacy services.
• Medical certificates: Obtain a medical certificate online for type 1 diabetes symptoms for work or school without an in-person visit.
• GP referrals: Get online referrals for blood tests, pathology, radiology tests or specialists if further evaluation is needed.
• Mental health care plans: Access 100% fully bulk-billed mental health care plan from the comfort of your home.

Gain access to an AHPRA-licensed online doctor or health practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

• Telehealth appointments
• Online scripts
• Medical certificates
• Online doctor referrals