Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition where the body does not make insulin, so blood sugar levels become too high. It is managed with insulin and can affect people of any age.
- Updated August 2026
- Clinical review pending
- 1 source
At a glance
- In type 1 diabetes the body cannot make insulin.
- It is a lifelong condition managed with insulin, and can start at any age.
- It is different from type 2 diabetes, which is more about how insulin works.
On this page (4 sections)
Overview
Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the body’s immune system stops it making insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar. This is different from type 2 diabetes, where the body still makes insulin but it does not work properly or there is not enough [1].
Symptoms
Symptoms can include feeling very thirsty, passing more urine than usual, feeling very tired, and losing weight without trying. In type 1 diabetes these often come on quickly, over days or weeks [1].
Management
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition treated with insulin, taken by injections or a pump, alongside checking blood sugar levels. A diabetes care team provides support to help you manage it day to day [1]. Do not change insulin doses based on this page.
When to get urgent help
See a GP quickly if you or your child have symptoms of diabetes. Get urgent medical help if someone with diabetes becomes very unwell, very drowsy, or has breathing problems, as this needs prompt treatment [1].
Sources
- NHS. Type 1 diabetes (opens in new tab) Accessed 12 August 2026.
About this page
- Written by
- Consumer Health editorial team
- Medical review
- Pending — this page has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician. Read our medical review policy.
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Next review due
- August 2027
Important: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional — such as your GP or pharmacist — for advice about your individual circumstances, and do not start, stop or change any prescribed treatment based only on this page. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 999. Consumer Health is an independent health-information resource and is not the NHS or a government body.
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