Type 1 diabetes

Question 1

How common is it?

Answer 1

370,000 adults in the UK, representing 10% of adults with diabetes.

Question 2

Who does it affect?

Answer 2

It most commonly presents in children and young people but can persist into (and start) in adult life.

Question 3

What causes it?

Answer 3

Destruction of β cells in the islets of Langerhans, due to autoimmunity.

Question 4

What risk factors are there?

Answer 4

Mainly genetic

Question 5

How does it present?

Answer 5

Hyperglycaemia (random plasma glucose more than 11 mmol/L) and the characteristic features of: Polyuria. Polydipsia.

Weight loss.

Excessive tiredness.

In adults might also get ketosis.

Question 6

Investigations

Answer 6

HbA1c
blood glucose
urine dipstick.

Question 7

Treatment

Answer 7

Educated about: Insulin therapy, including its aims, how it works, its mode of delivery, and dosage adjustment.

Blood glucose monitoring, including targets for blood glucose control (blood glucose and HbA1c levels).

The effects of diet, physical activity, and intercurrent illness on blood glucose control.

Detecting and managing hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, and ketosis.

Question 8

Conditions that would present similarly

Answer 8

Type 2 diabetes in older people.