Type 1 diabetes: overview, diagnosis and risk factors

Abstract

An estimated 8% of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. An autoimmune condition, it is primarily managed with insulin but can lead to a rapid deterioration in health and wellbeing. This article - one of two on type 1 diabetes - aims to make nurses aware of the clinical features of diabetes. It also explores how type 1 diabetes is diagnosed and outlines the risk factors, and considers some common myths about the condition.