Supporting patients with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Patients with this autoimmune condition, and the health professionals who care for them, must be educated on ways to manage their condition, allowing them greater independence and lower the risk of complications. By Anne PhillipsType 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that is mediated by genetic, immunological and environmental factors. Its prevalence is further complicated by increasing obesity levels, and this can make diagnosis complicated. Health professionals play a key role in enabling and optimising person-centred care approaches to educate and augment the essential skills required for successful self-management of this lifelong condition. This article reflects on the physiology and aetiology of type 1 diabetes and prevalence and considers recent guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for adults with type 1 diabetes (NG17) and for children and young people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes (NG18).