We Are T1D | Type 1 Diabetes We Are Type 1 Diabetes
Welcome to Episode 1 of our brand-new Type 1 Diabetes Explained series — the place where we ditch the complicated medical talk and answer the big question: What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, you’re supporting someone who has it, or you simply want to understand a mate who snacks like it’s a full-time job, this guide will walk you through exactly what Type 1 Diabetes is, how it affects your body, and what life is really like with it.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition. Your immune system mistakes your pancreas for the enemy and wipes out the beta cells that produce insulin. Without insulin, your body can’t move glucose (sugar) from your blood into your cells for energy.
Without treatment, your blood sugar will rise dangerously high, and your body will start burning fat and muscle instead, producing ketones. While they might sound like a gym supplement, ketones in this context can be deadly if left unchecked.
What is Type 1 Diabetes Compared to Type 2?
People often confuse Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but they are completely different conditions.
- Type 1 diabetes: Autoimmune. The pancreas produces no insulin at all. Requires insulin for life. Cannot be prevented or reversed.
- Type 2 diabetes: Often linked to insulin resistance. The pancreas still makes insulin, but the body doesn’t use it properly. Can sometimes be improved or reversed with lifestyle changes or tablets.
If anyone tells you cinnamon tea or a special diet will “cure” Type 1 diabetes, you have our permission to smile politely… and walk away.
For a detailed breakdown, check out our WE ARE T1D Podcast page where we’ve covered real-life stories from both T1D and T2D communities.
Life After Diagnosis — The Full-Time Job You Didn’t Apply For
When you’re first diagnosed, you quickly realise that managing Type 1 diabetes is like starting a new 24/7 job you didn’t ask for. There’s no manual, no breaks, and the maths can be relentless.
Your main tools include:
- Insulin — basal (background) and bolus (mealtime)
- Blood sugar monitoring — finger-prick or continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
- Hypo treatments — jelly babies, glucose tablets, or apple juice
Some people use multiple daily injections (MDI), while others opt for insulin pumps. Pumps offer flexibility, but neither option takes away the constant decision-making.
The Highs and Lows of Type 1 Diabetes
Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar): Sweaty, shaky, confused, and desperate to eat anything. This is where those jelly babies or biscuits become life-savers.
Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar): Tired, moody, stinging eyes, low patience, and a serious lack of focus.
These ups and downs affect more than your health — they can influence mood, relationships, work, and even your gym performance.
Why You Need to Respect It
Poorly managed T1D can lead to:
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) — high blood sugar + ketones = medical emergency
- Severe hypoglycaemia — can cause seizures, unconsciousness, or worse
Type 1 diabetes is serious, but with the right tools, knowledge, and support, it’s 100% manageable.
The Mental Side of Type 1 Diabetes
Managing T1D isn’t just about carb counting and injections — it’s a constant mental game. You’re always thinking:
- What if I go low?
- What if I spike?
- Will people stare if I inject here?
Burnout is common, and it doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means you’re human. That’s why finding support is so important. Our WE ARE T1D WhatsApp group is a safe space for T1Ds to ask questions, vent, and share random laughs.
Fun Facts from Episode 1
Straight from the episode:
- People with T1D don’t smell like sugar — please stop sniffing us.
- Insulin was only discovered in 1921. Before that, people survived by eating very little.
- You can eat sugar with T1D — in fact, sometimes you must.
- Before CGMs, parents would wake kids at 2am to check blood sugar.
Why We’re Doing This Series
This episode is just the start of Type 1 Diabetes Explained. Every two weeks, we’ll cover another essential topic — from basal and bolus to burnout and tech — giving you the information leaflets should contain but never do.
If you found this guide to What is Type 1 Diabetes helpful, you might also like our post on School and Type 1 Diabetes.
For more information, check out the NHS Type 1 Diabetes overview or explore other episodes on our podcast homepage.
💬 Got a story or tip to share?
We’d love to hear from you!
📩 Email: wearet1dpodcast@gmail.com
🌍 Website: www.wearet1d.com
📸 Instagram: @t1d_mike & @t1d_jack
🎧 New episodes every two weeks in the Type 1 Diabetes Explained series.