Type 1 Diabetes

Essential Information for People Living with Type 1 Diabetes

Living with type 1 diabetes can be challenging, but with the right support and management strategies, you can maintain a healthy and fulfilling life. Over 140,0001 Australians have type 1 diabetes, and while it requires daily care, you are not alone - support is available.

Managing diabetes involves healthy eating, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, and insulin therapy. Seeking guidance from your healthcare team can help tailor an approach that works for you.2

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body does not produce insulin, a hormone that helps sugar enter your cells to generate energy. Since your body can’t make insulin, it must be replaced through injections or an insulin pump.2

Type 2 diabetes is more common in Australia, with over 1.3 million1 Australians living with it. People with type 2 diabetes can still produce insulin, but their bodies struggle to use it effectively, often requiring medication and/or insulin therapy.2

Keeping Your Blood Glucose Levels in Check

Monitoring blood glucose levels to avoid high or low blood glucose levels is vital to prevent complications and maintain good health. The ideal target range varies, so it’s important to consult your healthcare team.

You can check your blood glucose using a blood glucose meter.3 You simply take a drop of blood by finger prick and the meter tells you how much glucose is in your blood at that time. This way, you can check if your blood glucose level is in the healthy range.

Optimal Diabetes Management

Food intake, delivering glucose to the cells and turning it into energy are essential processes in our bodies. The levels of glucose in the blood result from these processes. If the levels are too high or too low, there is the risk of serious consequences for your body4. Therefore, normal blood sugar levels are important for your health.

Self-monitoring blood glucose

Hyperglycaemia – High Blood Glucose Levels

Hyperglycaemia occurs when your blood glucose levels are too high (usually above 15mmol/L). Several factors can contribute to hyperglycaemia including food choices, physical activity, illness, non-diabetes medications, skipping or not taking enough glucose-lowering medication or insulin.5

In the long term, persistent high blood glucose levels cause damage to blood vessels leading to complications that affect the nerves, eyes, kidneys and heart. For this reason it is important to manage hyperglycaemia at all times.5

Hypoglycaemia – Low Blood Glucose Levels

Hypoglycaemia, also referred to as hypos, occur when your blood glucose levels drop (usually below 4.0mmol/L).6

People taking insulin or certain types of diabetes medication are at risk of hypoglycaemia. Hypos require immediate treatment with glucose to raise blood glucose levels above 4mmol/L.6

Hypos can be caused by missing a meal, not eating enough carbohydrates for a given dose of insulin, unplanned physical activity, strenuous exercise, drinking alcohol and some medications.6

Insulin Management in Australia7

Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells in your pancreas. It allows the cells in the body to access glucose from the blood and use it for fuel.

With type 1 diabetes, your body can no longer produce insulin. Without insulin, glucose builds up in your blood. Taking insulin via injection or a pump will keep you well.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you may eventually need insulin injections. This is because the longer you live with type 2 diabetes and as you age, your beta cells that make insulin progressively lose their ability to produce enough insulin. Some medications help the insulin your body produces work better. But you may need to supplement these with insulin at some time in your journey with diabetes.

Insulin

You may feel anxious about injecting insulin. Here is what you can do:

  • Request specific training from your GP, practice nurse or credentialled diabetes educator for injecting insulin.
  • Ask a healthcare professional if you have questions and concerns.
  • Organise your equipment including insulin pens, insulin needles and a sharps container – with a prescription from your GP.
  • Seek advice from a dietitian about healthy eating to optimise insulin use.
  • Know your blood glucose levels (BGLs) as guided by your healthcare team. What is your target level? When is the best time to check your BGLs?
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle with healthy eating and regular physical activity.
Man injecting insulin

Living Well with Diabetes


Eating Well

The food you eat impacts your blood sugar levels. A credentialled diabetes educator or an accredited practising dietitian can assist in creating a personalised meal plan. You can find professional support via Dietitians Australia.8

Staying Active

Exercise plays a crucial role in stabilising blood sugar levels. The Diabetes Australia website offers resources for safe physical activity.2

Finding Support

Connecting with others who understand diabetes can be empowering. Consider joining Diabetes Australia, Breakthrough T1D Australia, local support groups, or online communities.2,9

Storing Insulin

Always follow manufacturer guidelines for proper storage.

 

Healthy lifestyle with type 1 diabetes

For more support, visit Diabetes Australia or Breakthrough T1D Australia, and consult your GP, endocrinologist, or diabetes educator for personalised advice.

References:

  1. National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) Snapshots at 31 Dec 24
  2. Diabetes Australia: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/type-1-diabetes/ . Accessed May 2025
  3. Diabetes Australia – Blood Glucose Monitoring: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-monitoring/ . Accessed May 2025
  4. Diabetes Australia – Hypoglycaemia (hypo) and Hyperglycaemia: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/managing-diabetes/hypo-hyperglycaemia/ . Accessed May 2025
  5. Diabetes Australia – Hyperglycaemia: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/blog/hyperglycaemia/ . Accessed May 2025
  6. Diabetes Australia – Insulin: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/managing-diabetes/medicines/ . Accessed May 2025
  7. Dietitians Australia: https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/health-advice/diabetes . Accessed May 2025
  8. Breakthrough Type 1 D: https://breakthrought1d.org.au/ . Accessed May 2025