Type 1 diabetes: Support for
your journey

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Browse myths and facts
Browse myths and facts
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In United Arab Emirates, more than 1.2 million adults are diagnosed with diabetes 1

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, a hormone needed to turn food into energy.2
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T1D CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

Understanding type 1
diabetes 2

What causes T1D: The exact cause is unknown. Usually, your body's defense
system attacks the cells in your pancreas that make insulin by mistake. Your genes
and things like viruses might also play a part.

Who gets it: T1D can develop at any age. While it was once thought of as a
childhood disease, over half of new diagnoses are now in adults over 20. Symptoms
can appear gradually over weeks, months, or even years.

Why see a doctor: Some symptoms look like other illnesses, so it's important to
get your blood sugar tested by a doctor. If diabetes isn't treated, it can cause
serious health problems.
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Below are some common symptoms:

Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night

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Are very thirsty

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Lose weight without trying

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Sudden vision changes

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Are very hungry

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Feel very tired

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Stomach pains

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Nausea or vomiting

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Very dry skin

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Sores that heal slowly

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Increase in infections

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Fruity odor on breath

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MYTHS VS FACTS

Separating science from
stigma 2

Myth No. 1

“T1D is caused by poor lifestyle choices”

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Fact
T1D is an autoimmune disease. It is not caused by diet, exercise, or lifestyle and cannot be prevented
Myth No. 2

“Only children get T1D”

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Fact
While T1D is often diagnosed in children and young adults, it can develop at any age
Myth No. 3

“Insulin is only needed in severe cases of T1D”

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Fact
Insulin is a vital and lifelong treatment for all people with T1D, not just for severe cases
Myth No. 4

“People with T1D can't live normal lives”

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Fact
With treatment, people with T1D can live full and active lives
Myth No. 5

“People with T1D should avoid physical activity”

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Fact
Physical activity is encouraged and supports a comprehensive treatment plan
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T1D DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing diabetes typically starts with measuring blood sugar levels 3

If you are experiencing symptoms or have any risk factors, your doctor may recommend a blood sugar test. Here are a few examples of tests that may be done:
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Random blood glucose test
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Measures current blood sugar and is often the first test done to diagnose T1D
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Fasting blood glucose test
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Measures blood sugar after fasting overnight
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Glycated hemoglobin test
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Also known as the A1C test, measures average blood sugar levels for the past 2-3 months
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Autoantibody test
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Used to determine if it's Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
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Ketone test
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Elevated ketones in the urine or blood indicate can help diagnose T1D
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TREATMENT

Diabetes care isn't always the same
for everyone

There are many options when it comes to managing T1D. Together with your doctor, you’ll come
up with a plan to fit your care needs around your daily lifestyle. Here are a few areas your
management plan could include:

Medication

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Your care team will help you put together your treatment plan, which can include medicine and lifestyle adjustments.

When diagnosed with T1D, you'll likely need to start taking insulin shots (or wear an insulin pump) every day.

Regular blood sugar checks will help you monitor your progress and keep your blood sugar close to your target goal. Your care team will help you figure out how often to check your blood sugar and what your blood sugar target should be. 4

Devices

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There are many devices available for the management of T1D. Depending on your current treatment plan, some devices may be a better fit for you over others. Talk to your doctor about which device works best for you.

Monitoring your blood glucose levels:

  • A blood glucose meter allows you to check your current blood sugar level through a finger prick to obtain a blood sample.
  • Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are a sensor that is placed on your skin. Your blood sugar levels are then sent to a small device or smartphone.

Delivering insulin to the body:

  • Insulin injections are self-administered doses of insulin delivered through a syringe or pen
  • A smart insulin pen is a reusable pen that connects to a smartphone app. You can track insulin doses and blood sugar levels. Some apps will offer reminders, alerts, and reports.
  • Insulin pumps are wearable devices that automatically deliver a personalized dose of insulin to the body. 5
  • Automated insulin delivery systems can measure your blood sugar levels and can automatically deliver insulin to the body. 6

Managing a healthy lifestyle

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Managing a healthy lifestyle and habits is one of the ways you can take care of yourself during your journey with T1D. It's important to focus on the 5 pillars of well-being: movement, food, stress management, sleep, and connection.
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References

  1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 2025. Brussels, Belgium.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Type 1 Diabetes
    https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/about-type-1-diabetes.html
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Diabetes Testing
    https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-testing/index.html
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Types of Insulin
    https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/how-to-use-insulin.html
  5. American Diabetes Association (ADA)
    Standards of Care in Diabetes—2023, Section 7: Diabetes Technology
    Journal: Diabetes Care 2023;46(Suppl. 1):S111–S127
    https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/46/Supplement_1/S111/148041/7-Diabetes-Technology-Standards-of-Care-in
  6. American Diabetes Association – CGM & Time in Range
    https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/devices-technology/cgm-time-in-range
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