The NDSS is administered by Diabetes Australia

Understanding diabetes

It might feel like there’s a lot to learn when you’ve been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, especially if you’re not feeling well. But try not to feel overwhelmed. You’re not expected to do it all on your own.

With the support of your diabetes health professionals, you’ll learn how to manage type 1 diabetes so you can get back to the activities you enjoy and lead a full and healthy life.

There are different types of diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

This is where your body can no longer make insulin due to damage to your pancreas cause by your immune system.

Type 2 diabetes
This happens when your insulin isn’t working very well OR your body isn’t making enough insulin, or a combination of both.
Gestational diabetes
This a short-term form of diabetes which develops in pregnancy, in part because of the body’s pregnancy hormones. For most women, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born.

About 1 in 10 people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.

Eight or nine out of 10 people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

About 1 in 6 pregnant women in Australia will develop gestational diabetes.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes means your blood glucose levels are too high because your body can no longer make insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose from the carbohydrates (carbs) we eat, and drink enter the body’s cells to be used for energy.

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that make insulin. We all need insulin to live.

Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and causes serious health problems.

People with type 1 diabetes need lifelong insulin replacement given by an injection or an insulin pump to regulate their blood glucose levels.

Find out more with the NDSS fact sheet.

Understanding my symptoms

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes can come on suddenly. When you have type 1 diabetes, you might notice some big changes in your body over a couple of days, or weeks.

The 4 T’s: the most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes

Toilet

Going to the toilet to pass urine, or wee, a lot
Your body has too much glucose in the bloodstream, so it tries to get rid of it through your kidneys, making you wee a lot.

Thirsty

A thirst that doesn’t go away, no matter how much you drink
You’re losing a lot of fluids because of weeing so much, making you very thirsty.

Tired

An unexplained and excessive fatigue
Glucose can’t enter your cells to give you energy, which makes you feel very tired.

Thinner

A sudden weight loss without trying to lose weight
Because your body can’t use glucose, it breaks down fat stores to use for energy.

You should never ignore these symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

If your type 1 diabetes is untreated, it will cause a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

If you have type 1 diabetes, you might experience other symptoms as well

Blurry vision

Increased hunger

Genital itching or thrush

Cuts and wounds that take a
long time to heal

Adapting to life with type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a complicated condition, and there’s a lot to understand. Adapting to life with type 1 diabetes takes time. To manage your type 1 diabetes, you need to take insulin as prescribed by your doctor or diabetes nurse practitioner, check your blood glucose levels regularly, eat well and count carbs in your meals and snacks, be physically active, and attend regular check-ups with your diabetes health professionals.

Your top four actions to maintain a healthy life with diabetes:

Learn

First learn how to check your blood glucose levels and take your insulin.

Then, take the time to understand your condition. This includes the new skills and routines you need to adopt to keep your blood glucose levels in your target range.

Communicate

Don't feel like you have to manage everything on your own.

Talk to your diabetes health professionals if you’re feeling overwhelmed or need support.

Plan

Start by making small changes.

Plan for everyday activities, such as meals and physical activity.

Take action

Focus on what you can do and take steps towards managing your diabetes.

Remember, adapting to life with type 1 diabetes takes time, so be patient and kind to yourself.

Living your best life with type 1 diabetes is a team effort

First, learn as much as possible about type 1 diabetes, how to manage it and who can help you. Second, tackle the things you feel most inspired to do when trying to adopt or learn new habits or skills. Finally, invest the time to learn new healthy routines you can sustain long-term.

Elements of a healthy life with type 1 diabetes:

Diabetes-Support

Support

  • Your diabetes health professionals
  • Your family, carers, and loved ones.
Diabetes-Monitor

Monitor

  • Blood glucose levels
  • Insulin
  • Results of regular check-ups
  • Impact of life changes on your body and mind.
Diabetes-Manage

Manage

  • Blood glucose levels
  • Risks of hypoglycaemia (hypo) and hyperglycaemia
  • Carb awareness and counting
  • Sick days
  • Regular check-up schedule.
Diabetes-livewell

Live well

  • Back to your usual activities
  • Physical activity
  • Work
  • Travel
  • Driving
  • Socialising.
Diabetes-Eatwell

Eat well

  • Balance carbs, fibre, protein, fats
  • Meal planning
  • Portion sizes
  • Eating out and having home delivery meals.

Who’s in your team?

Many people can be part of your diabetes team to help you live well with diabetes. You can include diabetes specialists and other health professionals in your team.
You can also invite family members, friends or a carer to be part of your team. You may not need all the health professionals shown here.

Who's who in your diabetes team?

General-Practitioner
General Practitioner (GP)
Your GP oversees your primary healthcare, prescribes medicines, monitors your health, may refer you to specialised and allied diabetes health services.
Diabetes-Educator
Diabetes educator

A diabetes educator is a health professional who can help you to manage your diabetes. A credentialled diabetes educator (CDE) is a health professional who specialises in diabetes education and care.

A health professional who can help you to manage your diabetes. A credentialled diabetes educator (CDE) is a health professional who specialises in diabetes education and care. They can help you learn how to manage and monitor your health with diabetes. CDEs can provide advice on the effects of food and exercise, insulin and monitoring your blood glucose levels.

Expand for more

They can help you learn how to manage and monitor your health with diabetes. CDEs can provide advice on the effects of food and exercise, insulin and monitoring your blood glucose levels.

Endocrinologist
Endocrinologist
An endocrinologist is a medical specialist in diabetes. A physician may provide specialist diabetes care in some circumstances.
Dietitian
Dietitian
A dietitian provides advice about nutrition, balancing insulin and food, and supports you to develop an eating style based on your needs and food preferences.
Pharmacist
A pharmacist dispenses medicines and provides advice on medications, insulin and diabetes products.
Podiatrist
Podiatrist

A podiatrist checks the health of your feet and provides advice on caring for your feet.

Exercise physiologist or physiotherapist

They provide advice and support you with being physically active.

Psychologist
Psychologist, counsellor, social worker
They provide emotional and psychological support.
Optometrist
Optometrist
An optometrist checks your eye health (may refer you to an ophthalmologist for treatment).
Opthalmologist
Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a medical specialist in eye care and management.
Dentist
Dentist

A dentist checks the health of your mouth including your teeth and gums.

Islander-Health-Workers
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker

They provide local and culturally appropriate information and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Diabetes nurse practitioner

A diabetes nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who specialises in diabetes care and management.

Expand for more

A registered nurse who specialises in diabetes care and management. They’re qualified and authorised to practice in an advanced clinical role. This is different to a practice nurse working with a GP.

Support is available 

Living with type 1 diabetes is a journey. While a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can be challenging for you and your family, you’re not expected to do it on your own.

Here are some steps you can take.

Firstly, get to know your diabetes health professionals and ask for help when you need it.

Secondly, build your confidence with giving your insulin and monitoring your blood glucose levels during the day. With sensor glucose monitoring devices now available, this can help.

Thirdly, remember that your blood glucose level may not always be in your target range. Find out how to manage and reduce your risk of hypos. Talk to your diabetes health professional about what you can do to manage or correct high blood glucose levels.

Next, find out as much as you can about carb counting but don’t forget to follow a balanced and enjoyable eating pattern.

Finally, when you feel ready, go back to your usual activities. Type 1 diabetes can fit into your life.

Information for people with type 1 diabetes

As part of your NDSS registration you would have been emailed a link to a booklet called Information for people with type 1 diabetes. This booklet serves as a gateway to figure out how to fit type 1 diabetes into your life. The chapters on insulin and monitoring are a great place to start when it comes to self-management skills.

Questions you might want to ask your diabetes health professionals:

  • Should I get a pump or a pen?
  • I’m scared of needles, what can I do?
  • Where do I get insulin?
  • How to I manage at work or out of the house?
  • What about the cost?
  • Where do I get insulin from?

Find out more

Download

Go to the NDSS website to read or download a copy of the Understanding type 1 diabetes fact sheet.

Call

Call the NDSS Helpline 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to a diabetes health professional.

Stay in touch

Stay in touch with the NDSS. Sign into you My NDSS account to check out our programs and service, go to ndss.com.au to search for resources and follow the NDSS on social media for updates and news.

At your next appointment

Sometimes it's hard to remember all the things you want to ask your diabetes health professionals

Here are some helpful tips to help you ask for more information or support at your next appointment.

  • Ask for a double appointment (if needed).
  • Write down your questions.
  • Bring a list of your current medications.
  • Ask questions, especially if you don’t understand something they’ve said.
  • Take notes, or ask your diabetes health professional to write down what you’ve discussed.
  • Bring a support person, as often another person remembers more of the conversation. 

Here are some questions on a range of topics that you can ask your diabetes health professional to get more information on

  • What devices and technology can I use?
  • I’m scared of needles, what do I do?
  • What’s my target range?
  • How do I manage shift work and unusual hours?
  • Can I still use a sensor without a smartphone or device?
  • How can I manage the cost of living with diabetes?
  • Where can I get support for my emotional health?
  • How do I manage my diabetes as with competitive sport?
  • Do I need to tell my employer/new partner I have diabetes?
  • What do I need to do if I’m planning on having a baby?
  • Will my children get diabetes too?
  • How do I manage diabetes and travelling overseas?