What is it?
Type 1 diabetes is when your pancreas is unable to make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body absorb and use the glucose, or sugar, in the food you eat. Glucose is a key energy source. Without insulin, your body can’t perform its usual functions.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin to prevent health risks that occur from high blood sugar, also called hyperglycaemia.
Your GP plays a vital role in your ongoing care and can help you manage your condition, find specialists and educate your family and carers.
What will my GP do now?
Your GP will see you regularly to check your blood sugar and discuss any issues. Your GP will also:
- Talk to you about healthy lifestyle tips, such as weight, diet and exercise
- Discuss any distress or anxiety around your health
- Assess for heart disease risk factors
- Give you support to manage at home
- Help you learn what to do if you develop high or low blood sugar
- Check for the presence of other diseases
- Develop a treatment plan to help you manage your care
- Talk to you about pregnancy planning, when appropriate
- Help you learn about your driving risk
- Complete any specialist referrals that may be needed
What can I do?
Type 1 diabetes requires daily, ongoing care. Follow your GP’s advice about insulin injections or a pump. Learn how to check your blood glucose levels.
Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and check your blood glucose levels often.
Always carry carbohydrates with you, and carry ID that states you are diabetic. Keep a record of all episodes of low blood sugar. Ask your GP for a specialist referral if you need extra support.
