All about type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a complex condition, and we know how important it is to find information and support options tailored to the needs of people with type 1, including children. Understanding diabetes is a key part of managing your or your loved one’s treatment, so here you will find tips and resources to help you along your journey.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the body makes little or no insulin because the immune system mistakenly destroys cells that make insulin in the pancreas. About 5% to 10% of adults with diabetes have type 1. This type of diabetes cannot be managed without the help of insulin.
Manage type 1 diabetes in these 4 areas
Healthy eating
If you or your child has type 1 diabetes, you’ll want to keep track of foods eaten and adjust insulin dosing accordingly. Your health care team can help you create a plan for healthy eating that works for your needs.
Being active
Physical activity gives you or your child more energy and makes the body more sensitive to insulin. With type 1 diabetes, it’s important to monitor blood sugar with activity and keep “emergency carbs” like fruit juice, glucose tablets, or hard candies, on hand. It’s important to discuss your activity level with your health care team. They may have tips and suggestions for monitoring your blood sugar.
Taking insulin
If you or your child has type 1 diabetes, you have likely been prescribed basal-bolus insulin therapy that includes both a long-acting (basal) insulin and a short- or rapid-acting (bolus) insulin for mealtimes. If you or your child is using a pump, you may only be taking a rapid-acting insulin. Learn about a rapid-acting insulin option that can be used in a pump or get to know a long-acting insulin option.
Tracking blood sugar
It’s very important to closely track blood sugar levels with type 1 diabetes. Your or your child’s health care team will explain when and how often to check blood sugar levels. Download a blood sugar diary or an app to help stay on track.
Helpful resources for type 1 diabetes treatment
We have many support options and resources for caregivers and people of all ages with type 1 diabetes. Learn valuable facts, tips, and tricks to help with your or your loved one's treatment.
Caring for Someone With Type 1 Diabetes
Information and advice on how to help care for a child or young adult who has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Learn the ins and outs of T1 as well as strategies to teach kids how to take their insulin.
Information about insulins available from Novo Nordisk
Information and advice on how to check your blood sugar and how often and when exactly you should check. Become familiar with testing your A1C levels and learn how to use a blood sugar tracker to help you better manage type 1 diabetes.
Ages 2-6: Diabetes and Me
Helpful information to share with your preschooler about what type 1 diabetes is, why it happens, eating healthy foods, and why and how to test blood glucose.
Ages 7-12: Growing Up
Tips for your preteen with type 1 diabetes on going to school, sleepovers, and birthday parties, taking insulin, eating healthy foods, checking blood glucose, and recognizing the symptoms of high and low blood glucose.
Ages 13-17: Taking Charge
An overview for teenagers with type 1 diabetes that includes helpful tips specific to school, friends, driving, parties, and sleepovers.
Ages 18-24: Becoming Independent
Get helpful tips for working with your diabetes care team, understanding your blood glucose targets, managing your diabetes supplies, eating healthy foods, being active, and caring for your diabetes when you’re sick.
Find additional support for type 1 diabetes
NovoCare® provides a number of educational resources to help you navigate living with type 1 diabetes
Wondering if you can get help to pay for your medicine?
Novo Nordisk understands how important it is for people with type 1 to get the medicine they need at a price they can pay. NovoCare® offers different programs ranging from low cost to no cost for those who qualify.
