Type 1 diabetes happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin. Insulin is the hormone responsible for controlling the amount of glucose in your blood. You can find out more about Type 1 Diabetes at Type 1 diabetes | NHS inform and Type 1 diabetes | Diabetes UK
Or watch the video below.
Signs and symptoms of Type 1: Common Diabetes Symptoms:
- Going to the toilet a lot, especially at night
- Being really thirsty
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Losing weight without trying to
- Genital itching or thrush
- Blurred eyesight
- Increased hunger
These symptoms can affect anyone - adult or child. We sometimes call them the 4 Ts:
- toilet,
- thirsty
- thinner
- tired
Find out more about symptoms at Diabetes UK.
If you have symptoms of diabetes, it’s important to seek medical advice urgently and ask for a blood test for diabetes. Find out more about getting tested for diabetes at Diabetes UK.
Diabetes and steroids
A short (or long) term course of steroids for other medical conditions such as Asthma, Arthritis, Lupus, Chemotherapy, Organ transplant or Inflammatory bowel disease.
Conditions can be treated with different steroids and differing doses. In general, the higher the dose of steroids, the more significant rise in your blood glucose levels. This is called steroid induced hyperglycaemia.
If you are prescribed steroids, ensure you monitor your blood glucose levels closely (at least 4 times per day and before meals). If you have been prescribed steroids and are unsure how to alter tour insulin, please contact the Diabetes Centre (01592 648001)
Tips for living with Diabetes
Tip 1: Sign up to My Diabetes
My Way to gain access to your own test results, clinical letters and your treatment plan.
Instructions for Yoti sign in
Click here for instructions on how to sign in on a computer using the QR code option via Yoti
Tip 2: Know your Numbers
You have to decide what target blood glucose range is appropriate for you. For most patients we are aiming for:
Before breakfast: 5-7mmol/L
Before a meal: 4-7 mmol/L
Before bed: 6-8 mmol/L
Sometimes we might decide a different blood glucose target range for you e.g. during pregnancy or if you are having problems with hypoglycaemia. If you are unsure of what blood glucose target is appropriate for you - just ask your healthcare professional.
When you come to clinic your HbA1c will be checked, this is a measure of the amount of glucose sticking to your red blood cells and indicates your overall diabetes control over the past few months. This helps guided your management.
The general target for HbA1c is less than 53mmol/mol. This target is just a suggestion and may vary depending on circumstances. Visit the Healthzone app (Fife Diabetes Type 1) for more information
Tip 3: Is Diabetes affecting your mood?
Being given a diagnosis of diabetes can come as a shock. There are lots of different emotions associated with this new diagnosis and there are lots of people out there to support you.
Talk to your family, friends and healthcare team if you need some help or more information. Diabetes and mental health I What can help I Diabetes UK or the Healthzone app (Fife Diabetes Type 1) for more information.
Tip 4: Exercise & Diabetes
Physical activity is important for healthy living. If you have diabetes, it is important to understand that this can affect your blood glucose levels and how you can plan around this. Visit www.runsweet.com or the Healthzone app (Fife Diabetes Type 1) for more information
Tip 5: Driving & Diabetes
You need to tell the DVLA that you have a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. Find out more at Diabetes and your driving licence | DVLA laws | Diabetes UK or the Healthzone app (Fife Diabetes Type 1) for more information
Tip 6: Online Educational Resources
My Diabetes, My Way:
On this site, you will find eLearing courses including the following:
- Understanding Type 1 Diabetes
- Growing up with Diabetes
- Living with Type 1 Diabetes
- Carbohydrate Counting
Bertie Online
BERTIE Online is a diabetes education course that teaches people with type 1 diabetes (or their carers) how to manage insulin doses, compared to carbohydrate intake:
Information on Healthzone App
You can find out more information and keep up to date by downloading the Healthzone App. To access: Search 'Health Zone' in the App Store or on Google Play. Then search for 'Fife Adult Type 1 Diabetes' Make sure you allow permissions and notifications.
