Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes requires ongoing medical management to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent complications. Our AHPRA-accredited online doctors and medical practitioners are available 24/7 to provide expert advice and support.
About type 1 diabetes
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC
When to consult a doctor for 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
What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?
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.
What are the causes of type 1 diabetes?
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.
What are the complications of 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.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
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.
What foods should I eat to manage Type 1 diabetes?
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.
What type of online referrals can I get?
Hola Health provides instant access to online doctor referrals 24 hours a day and 7 days a week such as:
Talk to a doctor about type 1 diabetes
Gain access to an AHPRA-licensed online doctor or health practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:
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