Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically first appears in childhood or adolescence, but new onset can - rarely - also be seen up until old age.

The cause is still not clearly understood. What is certain, however, is that autoimmune inflammation destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in a complete deficiency of insulin. This often develops so quickly in new cases that those affected have to be taken to hospital by emergency ambulance, sometimes with acute deterioration of their general condition, weakness, abdominal pain and reduced consciousness. With this form of diabetes, insulin therapy is essential.

After the acute phase with the start of insulin therapy, the aim is to enable those affected to implement the therapy independently. To live well with diabetes, you have to understand it. Only if you have the knowledge and skills to cope with diabetes in everyday life - including in problem situations - can you accept and manage the disease. Education therefore means more than imparting knowledge. Consequently, we want to empower you to draw the right conclusions from the knowledge you gain in order to be able to consciously shape your life with diabetes.