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Frequently Asked Questions about Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
Here are some answers to likely questions you may have about T1D
T1D is a progressive autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own insulin-producing cells (called beta cells) leading to insulin deficiency. Insulin is an essential hormone that helps the body turn food into energy. 1-3
The exact cause of autoimmune T1D is unclear, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental triggers, and is not directly linked to diet or lifestyle.1,12
T1D is the most common metabolic disease in children and adolescents. However, about 62 % of those affected are over 20 years old. Anyone can be affected, even without a family history.3,4
Type 1 Diabetes happens when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the cells that make insulin, it usually starts in childhood but can happen at any age. Type 2 Diabetes is much more common and occurs when the body struggles to use insulin properly, often due to factors like weight, diet, and physical activity levels. The biggest difference is that Type 1 can't be prevented or reversed, while Type 2 can often be managed and sometimes even improved through healthier lifestyle choices and medication.5
Serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can occur when diagnosed.7
Type 1 Diabetes can affect anyone at any age but some people have a higher risk than others. Family history plays a key role; First degree relatives (parent or sibling) of an individual living with T1D have a 15X higher risk than those without, people with other autoimmune conditions may have a higher risk of developing type 1 and those individuals who may be misdiagnosed with other diabetes sub-types.6,8,9
Before symptoms appear, T1D can already be diagnosed by testing for specific antibodies in the blood.10
While Type 1 diabetes early detection screening is not currently part of any National screening recommendation on the NHS, it is available through research studies including ELSA and T1DRA, which are testing thousands of people across the UK.
In the long term, type 1 diabetes can lead to small and large vascular damage, especially if good blood sugar control is not established from the beginning.11
If you are concerned about diabetes or its symptoms, please speak to your healthcare professional
References:
- Insel RA, Dunne JL, Atkinson MA, et al. Diabetes Care. 2015;38(10):1964-1974;
- Sims EK, Besser REJ, Dayan C, et al. Diabetes. 2022;71(4):610-623;
- Warshauer JT, Bluestone JA, Anderson MS. Cell Metab. 2020;31(1):46-61
- Gregory GA, Robinson TIG, Linklater SE, et al. Lancet Diabe tes Endocrinol. 2022;10(10):741-760
- Diabetes UK - Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Accessed May 2026.
- American Diabetes Association. Diagnosis and Classification of diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2025;48(Suppl. 1):S27-S49
- Wolfsdorf JI, Glaser N, Agus M, et al. ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines: Diabetic ketoacidosis. Pediatr Diabetes. 2018;19(Suppl 27):155–177.
- Haller MJ, Bell KJ, Besser REJ, et al. Horm Res Paediatr. 2024;97(6):529-545;
- Ludvigsson JF, Ludvigsson J, Ekbom A, et al. Diabetes Care. 2006;29(11):2483-2488
- Ziegler AG, Rewers M, Simell O et al. Seroconversion to multiple islet autoantibodies and risk of progression to diabetes. JAMA. 2013;309(23):2473–2479.
- Diabetes UK. Complications of Diabetes. Accessed May 2026.
- Breakthrough T1D. Fact-checking myths and misconceptions about type 1 diabetes. Accessed May 2026.