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Type 1 diabetes

If you or someone you know has type 1 diabetes, read this page to understand what it is and how to manage it.

What is type 1 diabetes?

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot make insulin. This happens because the body’s immune system destroys the beta cells in the pancreas. It is the beta cells that make insulin. This results in too much glucose, or sugar, in the bloodstream. If you have type 1 diabetes, you have to replace the insulin your body can no longer make. Insulin is given by injection or by using an insulin pump.

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not yet known. Currently, nothing can be done to prevent or cure type 1 diabetes, but researchers are working on this. If type 1 diabetes is managed well, you can continue to lead a healthy life.

Read in our fact sheets.

Watch our video about registering with the NDSS.

Understanding type 1 diabetes fact sheet

If you have type 1 diabetes, looking after your diabetes is important for good health. It can reduce your risk of developing diabetes-related complications.

Available in other languages Download now
Insulin fact sheet

Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose to move from the bloodstream into the body’s cells. Different people need different types of insulin. Your treatment needs to be tailored to your needs.

Download now

Explore topics

Register with NDSS

NDSS registration gives you access to support services and subsidised products to manage your diabetes.

Diabetes products

Your NDSS registration gives you access to subsidised products.

NDSS Helpline

Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 for diabetes support and to learn more about the NDSS.

Healthcare team

Form a healthcare team who can help you set goals and manage your diabetes confidently.

Living with diabetes

With so many factors to consider, you probably have questions and concerns about how diabetes can fit into your lifestyle.

Diabetes health checks

It is important to have regular health checks to identify problems early and put the best treatment in place.

Access to CGM and Flash GM

All people with type 1 diabetes are eligible to apply for access to subsidised CGM and Flash GM products through the NDSS.

Free access to diabetes programs

Learn to manage your diabetes confidently with free diabetes programs, available face-to-face and online.

Access to insulin pump consumables

You can access Omnipod and other insulin pump systems through the NDSS.

Type 1 diabetes is managed by replacing the insulin your body can no longer make. Insulin is given by injection or by using an insulin pump.

Checking your blood glucose levels regularly and learning how to balance insulin, food and activity is part of managing type 1 diabetes. Your diabetes health professionals will work with you to help you manage your diabetes.

Managing type 1 diabetes is a team effort. You can involve your family, friends and diabetes health professionals.

What happens in your body after you eat carbohydrate (carb) food? Without diabetes and with type 1 diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, NDSS registration can give you access to support services and subsidised products to manage your diabetes.

NDSS registration is free. For more information visit the registration section of this website.

Find out more about managing your health and preventing diabetes-related complications. This includes information on:

  • eye damage
  • kidney health
  • foot health
  • depression.

Like everyone, people living with diabetes get sick with everyday illnesses such as influenza (flu), colds, gastro, or other common infections. It is important to be prepared and to know what to do if you get sick. Read more in our fact sheet or watch our webinar.

Living well with type 1 diabetes – what to do when you are sick fact sheet

Like everyone, people living with type 1 diabetes get sick with everyday illnesses such as influenza (flu), a cold, gastro, or other common infections. It is important to be prepared and to know what to do.

Download now
Living well with type 1 diabetes – managing diabetes when you are sick webinar

This on-demand webinar gives helpful tips on how to look after type 1 diabetes during times of illness or stress.

Watch now

Peer support is connecting with peers—who are similar to you—living with diabetes. Peer support can take many forms, including a casual conversation with a peer to a formal, face-to-face, structured group.

Read more about peer support in our fact sheets.

Peer support for diabetes fact sheet

Connecting with other people who have diabetes is an effective means of accessing peer support. Sharing your experiences with others can help you feel less alone.

Download now
Adjusting to life with diabetes fact sheet

A diagnosis of diabetes can come as a shock. First reactions may be disbelief, sadness, anger or self-blame. Usually, these feelings ease after a while and diabetes becomes part of life.

Download now

Find out more about peer support.

If diabetes is affecting your well-being, it is important to know when and how to seek support. We are all better able to deal with our emotions when we have support.

If you are having trouble adjusting to life with diabetes, talk to your health professional. They will assess the problem and help you work out strategies to live well with diabetes. You might also like to talk to a psychologist. They will help you find ways to adjust to life with diabetes.

Read more in our fact sheets.

When and how psychologists can support people with diabetes fact sheet

Most people with diabetes manage well most of the time. But it is okay to acknowledge if you are struggling. Many people benefit from specialist emotional support from a psychologist.

Download now
When and how a psychologist can support me quick guide

This quick guide answers common questions about psychologist support.

Available in other languages Download

It is important to keep a healthy mind while living with diabetes. Diabetes can be really tough to live with. Feeling down or worried about your diabetes does not necessarily mean you have a mental health condition. But, if you do, you are not alone, and help is available.

Find out more.

It is essential to do an annual cycle of care to find any health problems early. Without regular checks, diabetes can lead to health problems that can affect your whole body, including your kidneys, eyes, feet, nerves and heart. Ask your doctor for the timing of health checks and targets that meet your individual health needs.

Read more in our fact sheet or listen to our podcast series.

Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet

The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing your diabetes management and general health each year.

Download now
Annual cycle of care podcast series

Listen to our Annual cycle of care podcast series to learn more about what it is, why it’s important, and what you need to know about it.

Available in other languages Listen now

Support on your journey with diabetes

Teenager on phone

Moving into adulthood

As you get older you become more independent in managing your diabetes.

Woman shopping for nutrition supplement

I am planning pregnancy

Everything you need to know when planning a pregnancy if you have type 1 diabetes.

Older person on phone

I am getting older

Get the support and information you need to help you age well with diabetes.

More information and support

Find a diabetes educator near you

Go to Australian Diabetes Educators Association to find a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE) on their website.

Go to Australian Diabetes Educators Association
Find a dietitian near you

Call Dietitians Australia on 1800 812 942 or you can find an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) on their website.

Go to Dietitians Australia
Find a health service or health professional near you

Go to healthdirect to find a diabetes health service or diabetes health professional on their website.

Go to Healthdirect
Find a pharmacy near you

Go to healthdirect to find a community pharmacy on their website.

Go to Healthdirect

Free access to diabetes programs

Learn to manage your diabetes confidently with diabetes programs, available face-to-face and online. Register for a diabetes program.

Carb counting

Available anywhere, anytime. These short modules will teach you how to recognise and count carbohydrates (carbs), to help in managing your diabetes.

Starting out with type 1 diabetes

This live webinar is for people who have recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Starting out with type 1 diabetes (parents, support people)

This webinar is for parents, carers and families of newly diagnosed children with type 1 diabetes

Ready set go, let’s move

Available anywhere, anytime. In these short modules, you will build an individualised exercise plan to help you become more active.

Group exercising

OzDAFNE@Home

This interactive online program provides comprehensive diabetes education for adults living with type 1 diabetes.

On-demand webinars

We have a range of on-demand webinars available to watch at anytime from anywhere.

Featured webinars

Living well with type 1 diabetes – managing diabetes when you are sick webinar

This on-demand webinar gives helpful tips on how to look after type 1 diabetes during times of illness or stress.

Watch now
Hypoglycaemia management for type 1 diabetes webinar

This pre-recorded webinar is for people with type 1 diabetes who want to increase their confidence in managing hypoglycaemia (also known as hypo or low blood glucose level).

Watch now
Physical activity and type 1 diabetes webinar

This pre-recorded webinar is for people with type 1 diabetes who want to learn how to exercise safely.

Watch now

Featured resources

Information for people with type 1 diabetes

This booklet explains the services and products available to you through the NDSS and provides general information about type 1 diabetes. It is a great starting point to help you with managing your diabetes

Download
Understanding type 1 diabetes fact sheet

If you have type 1 diabetes, looking after your diabetes is important for good health. It can reduce your risk of developing diabetes-related complications.

Available in other languages Download now
Insulin fact sheet

Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose to move from the bloodstream into the body’s cells. Different people need different types of insulin. Your treatment needs to be tailored to your needs.

Download now
Living well with type 1 diabetes – what to do when you are sick fact sheet

Like everyone, people living with type 1 diabetes get sick with everyday illnesses such as influenza (flu), a cold, gastro, or other common infections. It is important to be prepared and to know what to do.

Download now
Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet

The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing your diabetes management and general health each year.

Download now
Annual cycle of care podcast series

Listen to our Annual cycle of care podcast series to learn more about what it is, why it’s important, and what you need to know about it.

Available in other languages Listen now

Disclaimer

This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, or further questions, you should contact your health professional.

Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

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