Type 1 diabetes

I feel blessed that I had this operation and it worked well

Ivy Ashworth-Crees, 59, talks about how much better her life is since her double kidney and pancreas transplant.

"About 32 years ago Iwas diagnosed with diabetes and had to go on insulin injections four times a day. I also had to work very hard on my diet to make sure I didn't eat too much sweet food.

"After about 25 years, I got kidney failure and in 2003 I had to go on kidney dialysis. The dialysis was very uncomfortable. It was a drain having to do it four times a day, as well as having the diabetes injections four times a day. I felt like my life was on hold.

"I was on kidney dialysis for two years when they put me on the list to have a kidney transplant. The surgeon suggested that I could probably benefit from a kidney and pancreas transplant, which meant I wouldn't havediabetes any more.

"When I got the phone call to say that I was going to Manchester for the transplant, I was absolutely hysterical. I felt many emotions and was both thrilled and terrified.

"When I came round after the operation, I was in intensive care. I stayed there for about three or four days, then they took me to the main ward.

"The most difficult part was getting out of bed, onto my feet, and starting to walk. They walked me up and down the ward for weeks until my legs got strong enough. That was very, very difficultand the pain was very bad. But it's all been worth it.

"The doctor asked me to try to reduce my weight, so I joined the gym. I enjoy swimmingand I think it's helping me to keep a bit more active. The only problem is that I can't walk too far.

"It's very, very important that I take the immunosuppressant medication. If I don't take it, the kidney and pancreas could reject. I have to take them for the rest of my life.

"My life has changed such a lot. I now take it for granted that I can eat what I want, including chocolates. I'm back at work, I don't have an injection after my meals, I don't have to rush home for dialysis and my kidneys and pancreas are working well.

"I feel very blessed that I've been through this operation and it's worked very well."

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 9 Sep 2016

Articles for type 1 diabetes

Introduction

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.

Symptoms

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes can develop very quickly (over a few days or weeks), particularly in children. In older adults, the symptoms can often take longer to develop (a few months).

Diagnosis

It's important for diabetes to be diagnosed early so treatment can be started as soon as possible. If you experience the symptoms of diabetes , visit your GP as soon as possible. They'll ask about your symptoms and may request blood and urine tests.

Treatment

If you have type 1 diabetes, you'll probably need insulin injections. Treatment for diabetes aims to keep your blood glucose levels as normal as possible and to control your symptoms.

Complications

If diabetes isn't treated, it can lead to a number of different health problems. High glucose levels can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs. Even a mildly raised glucose level that doesn'tcause any symptoms can have damaging effects in the long term.

Living with

If you have type 1 diabetes, you'll need to look after your health very carefully. You have to start eating a healthy balanced diet, exercise regularly, quit smoking, limit your alcohol, etc.

Causes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to control the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. Type 1 diabetes is often inherited (runs in families), so the autoimmune reaction may also be genetic.

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