Living with type 1 diabetes can be hard work – especially when you've just been diagnosed. Here are answers to some questions you may have.
Diagnosis: getting to grips with type 1 diabetes
You may find the first couple of weeks are the worst as you come to terms with injecting insulin and pricking fingers to do blood checks. There’s a lot of information to take in about how to manage type 1 diabetes (T1D) – counting carbohydrates, understanding the precautions to take when exercising, how to recognise and treat a hypo… the list goes on. We’ve created this guide to help you with these challenges.
Looking for more in-depth resources? Visit our guides and resources hub, or download our free guide for teens with T1D, Testing Times.
Diabetes explained
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition that can develop at any age. There is nothing anyone can do to prevent T1D, and right now there is no known cure.
Check out resources about type 1 diabetes (also known as T1D, juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes mellitus or insulin-dependent diabetes).
Quick guide to type 1 diabetes
Find frequently asked questions and fast facts about T1D.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Learn more about type 1 diabetes in detail.
Complications (and how you can try to avoid them)
Learn about a few potential health complications and how to manage them.
Managing type 1 diabetes
It’s a big change, but people with type 1 diabetes can live long, full and happy lives. Advances in medication and technology make life easier, safer and better.
Managing type 1 diabetes involves three main steps: Checking blood sugar, administering insulin, and counting carbohydrates.
Guide to T1D management and care
Find information and support on how to manage your blood glucose levels, count carbs, and deal with hypos and hypers.
About T1D treatment & technology
Understand the roles of insulin and blood glucose levels in your treatment plan.
T1D technology: video explainers
Find out about the different types of technology that helps you manage type 1 diabetes.
Your healthcare team
Living successfully with type 1 diabetes (T1D) requires you to be fully in control of your diabetes management. But it certainly doesn’t mean you’re on your own – there are a number of healthcare professionals who can help you manage your T1D and care for yourself.
Your healthcare professionals
There are many healthcare professionals who can help you manage your T1D. Here's a guide to your helping hand.
About credentialled diabetes educators
CDEs can support and empower you to successfully manage your diabetes.
Transitioning to adult diabetes services
You may soon start to shift to a diabetes clinic for adults. Here's what you need to know about making the move.
Community & emotional support
Being a teenager isn’t always easy. It can be a turbulent time, especially when you add a diabetes diagnosis to the mix. But taking care of your mental health is just as important as managing the physical aspects of T1D. Here’s advice on balancing your mental health with T1D.
Accessing mental health services
Diabetes can make life feel frustrating and unforgiving – we shouldn’t overlook the emotional, social, and psychological ties T1D and mental health have to each other.
Dealing with burnout

The day-to-day effort to manage T1D can become hard and frustrating. Here's how to get back on track.
Coping with a T1D diagnosis
When you were told you had T1D, you probably felt as if your world had been turned upside down. Over time you will learn how to fit diabetes into your life — here's how.
Find community and peer support
Access private T1D Facebook groups, communities, and peer support.
Work, school & relationships
Managing relationships while also managing type 1 diabetes, whether in education environments, at work, or in your personal life, can add an extra layer of challenges. Here’s how to navigate them.
Job hunting with T1D
So the day has arrived when you’re ready to find your first job, or you’re ready to a find a new role. What’s next?
Disclosing your T1D at work
Your decision about whether or not to disclose your T1D to your employer or colleagues is personal. Here's what to consider.
What to say when others are ignorant about T1D
Sometimes people will ask questions and make comments about your T1D, some of which can be harmful. Here's how you can respond to these situations.
Staying healthy
Yes, some things will change as a result of your T1D diagnosis, but not everything.
So many great things about life will remain the same, and you’ll enjoy them just as you did before. Here are resources to help you understand more about making some adjustments to your lifestyle.
Food and nutrition for T1D
Learning about nutrition is an important part of managing your T1D and your overall health.
Exercising with T1D
Find out why exercise is especially important for teens with T1D, tips for dealing with high and low blood glucose levels, and advice on safely starting to exercise
How to minimise or prevent health issues
Small steps each day can help to prevent, delay, or minimise diabetes-linked health issues.
A guide to snacking for T1D
Snacking can have a big impact on your blood glucose levels. Here's how to snack well when living with type 1 diabetes – and why it matters.
Everyday life
Your teenage years are a super exciting time, and T1D doesn’t have to change that. There will be so many firsts you’ll experience in the next few years, including learning to drive, starting a casual job and going out with friends.
Dining out with T1D
Our top tips for eating out with diabetes without overthinking it.
How to navigate travel with T1D
With a little preparation, you’ll have peace of mind that you’ll be able to tackle travel.
Tips for young drivers with T1D
Ready to get your driver licence? Here's what you have to keep in mind.
Guides and resources on living everyday life with T1D
Our guides & resources hub is brimming with helpful information on living your best life with T1D.
Looking for more guidance on your T1D diagnosis?
Free download
Our ‘how to’ resource, Testing Times, has been specially written to help teenagers thrive while managing their type 1 diabetes (T1D). Written by healthcare professionals and our community members, this free book is packed with tips and advice to help you live a safer, easier, and happier life with T1D.
