In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas (a large gland behind the stomach) fails to produce insulin.

Without insulin, the body’s cells cannot use glucose (sugar), which the body needs for energy. It begins to burn its own fats as a substitute.

Unless treated with daily injections of insulin, a person with type 1 diabetes accumulates in the blood dangerous chemical substances from the burning of fat. This can cause a condition known as ‘keto-acidosis’.

To stay alive, people with type 1 diabetes depend on up to four insulin injections every day of their lives.

They must test their blood glucose levels several times daily. This is vital to monitor the complex interaction of food and exercise with their insulin injections.

The symptoms may occur suddenly. If they occur, see a doctor.

• Feeling constantly thirsty
• Passing urine frequently, including bedwetting
• Excessive hunger
• Blurred vision
• Unexplained weakness and fatigue
• Weight loss
• Vaginal discharge or itch in young girls
• Nausea and vomiting

Through a simple test, a doctor can find out if diabetes is present.

The exact cause is not known. Some people are predisposed to developing type 1 diabetes. In these people, the diabetes is possibly triggered by a virus. This destroys the part of the pancreas which produces insulin.

Treatment aims to do what a normal body does naturally - maintain a proper balance of insulin and glucose. Diabetes "control" means keeping the level of glucose in the blood as close to normal as possible.

The three elements of "control" for type 1 diabetes are:

• Food
• Exercise
• Insulin