Diabetes

Newly Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes — First Steps

2025-08-13 • Updated 2025-08-21

Being told you have Type 1 diabetes can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to learn, new routines to build, and emotions to process. But with the right information, support, and daily habits, it is absolutely possible to live a full, healthy, and active life. Thousands of people around the world manage Type 1 diabetes successfully every day — and so can you.

1. Understanding Your Diagnosis

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. Your body no longer produces insulin, a hormone needed to move glucose (sugar) from your blood into your cells for energy.
• This is not your fault — it is not caused by diet, lifestyle, or anything you did.
• You will need insulin every day, either by injections or an insulin pump, for the rest of your life.
• With the right management, people with Type 1 can live long, healthy lives.

2. Your Care Team

• Endocrinologist / Diabetes Specialist – helps plan your insulin therapy and long-term care.
• Diabetes Educator – teaches you how to check blood glucose, give insulin, and manage food and activity.
• Dietitian – guides you on balanced eating and carbohydrate counting.
• GP / Family Doctor – supports your overall health.
• Mental Health Support – adjusting to a new diagnosis can be emotionally challenging. It’s OK to ask for help.

3. Essential Skills to Learn Early

1. Blood Glucose Testing – learn how and when to check your levels.
2. Insulin Administration – pen injections or pump management.
3. Carbohydrate Counting – matching insulin doses to the carbs in your meals.
4. Recognising Highs & Lows –
   • Low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia) – shakiness, sweating, confusion, weakness.
   • High blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) – thirst, frequent urination, tiredness.
5. Emergency Actions – treating hypos quickly, checking for ketones during highs.

4. Emotional Wellbeing

• It’s normal to feel fear, frustration, or sadness. You are learning to manage a life-long condition, and that takes time.
• Connecting with others who live with Type 1 can help. Many find online support groups, community programs, or diabetes camps helpful.
• Celebrate small wins — every step in learning your care routine is a success.

5. Lifestyle and Hope

• Food – You can enjoy most foods with planning and insulin adjustment.
• Exercise – Regular activity is encouraged but may require insulin/food adjustments.
• Travel – With preparation, you can go anywhere.
• Technology – Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and pumps can make management easier.
• You are not limited in what you can achieve — athletes, pilots, doctors, and world travellers live with Type 1.

6. The Myth of “Remission”

• Sometimes, especially in the months after diagnosis, insulin needs drop dramatically — this is often called the “honeymoon period.”
• In this phase, your pancreas still makes a small amount of insulin, so your blood sugars may be easier to control.
• Some call this “remission,” but it is temporary. The immune system will eventually destroy the remaining insulin-producing cells.
• It’s important to understand: Type 1 diabetes does not go into permanent remission. The word can create false hope, but the condition is lifelong.
• What you can achieve is excellent control, freedom, and confidence in daily life with the right tools and support.

7. Key Safety Reminders

• Always carry hypo treatment (like glucose tablets or juice).
• Wear medical ID stating you have Type 1 diabetes.
• Have a written diabetes plan for emergencies.
• Tell friends, family, and close colleagues how to help if you have a hypo.
• Seek medical help if you have vomiting, very high blood glucose, or positive ketones.

8. FAQs

Q: Can Type 1 diabetes go away?
A: No. Despite research into cures and new therapies, Type 1 is permanent. The early “honeymoon” period may feel easier, but insulin will always be required.

Q: Is “remission” the same as a cure?
A: No. Remission in Type 1 is temporary and misleading. Unlike Type 2, where remission is possible, Type 1 always requires lifelong insulin.

Q: Can I live a normal life with Type 1?
A: Yes. With insulin, monitoring, and healthy habits, people with Type 1 can live full and active lives, including careers in sport, travel, medicine, and beyond.

Q: How can I make this easier day-to-day?
A: Use technology where possible (pumps, CGMs), keep hypo supplies with you, and lean on your care team. Emotional support is just as important as physical care.

9. Where to Learn More

• Diabetes Australia – Type 1 Diabetes
• Diabetes NSW & ACT
• Beyond Type 1
• JDRF – Type 1 Diabetes Research

Remember: This is a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself time. With the right tools, knowledge, and support, managing Type 1 diabetes can become just another part of your routine — leaving you free to focus on living your life.

• #type 1 diabetes
• #newly diagnosed
• #insulin
• #management
• #first steps