What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Chronic Autoimmune Condition
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes
There are over 135,000 Australians living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and a further 8 diagnosed every day. The numbers are only growing, with T1D on the rise within Australia and around the world. Type 1 Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in childhood in developed countries.
Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition, which cannot be prevented, where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the pancreas cannot produce insulin.
Without insulin, the body can’t properly use glucose for energy – meaning people with Type 1 must check their blood glucose levels multiple times a day and replace insulin manually (through daily injections or an insulin pump), multiple times a day, every day, for life otherwise their blood glucose levels can go dangerously high or low, which can be life-threatening and fatal.
Without insulin, blood glucose levels can become dangerously high or low – which can be fatal. There is no cure.
Where Psychology & Diabetes Intersect
Tailored & Informed Type 1 Diabetes Support
Type 1 Diabetes presents unique challenges and requires informed tailored strategies for effective management – taking into account the onset of diagnosis, the individual’s time with the condition, their relationship with the diagnosis, their ability to adhere to and follow medical and lifestyle advice, their experiences while managing the disease, and the physical, emotional, and social impacts on the individual and those connected to them.
Living with Type 1 Diabetes is Demanding & Challenging
People living with Type 1 are faced with a lifelong regimen of blood sugar monitoring, medications, hospital/medical appointments, and routine screening for physical health complications. Living with diabetes influences every aspect of a person’s life – from the workplace, social life, interpersonal relationships, finances, and so much more.
The constant effort involved with lifelong Type 1 Diabetes management can feel very stressful and overwhelming, especially living with other life stressors such as relationship or financial pressures. This combination can contribute to the experience of co-morbid mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression or diabetes burnout.