Are insulin injections required for an 18-year-old with T1D?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am an 18-year-old boy. I have lost so much weight in just two months, feel very tired, and have been drinking a lot of water. My mom took me to the hospital, and the doctor said I had type 1 diabetes. They checked my blood sugar, which was very high, and something called the HbA1c test was also not normal.

Why did this happen to me at such a young age?
The doctor said I had to take insulin injections daily. Can you please tell me if I can manage this with medicine or something else instead of injections? I do not like injections.
My friends at school will also make fun of me, and I am worried about going to school. Should I be more careful at school?

Please tell me everything I should do.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query, and thank you for sharing your concern.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D), previously known as juvenile diabetes, is a lifelong condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps move sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream into the body’s cells to be used for energy. Without it, sugar builds up in the blood instead of nourishing the body.
T1D often begins in childhood or adolescence, though it can also appear in adults. The exact cause is not always clear, but a combination of genetic factors and possibly viral infections may play a role.
While there is currently no cure for T1D, it can be well managed. The main goal is to maintain blood sugar levels within a healthy range to prevent short-term issues and long-term complications. Treatment usually includes:
1. Taking insulin daily.
2. Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly.
3. Counting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
4. Eating a healthy, balanced diet.
5. Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.

For most people with T1D, the ideal blood sugar range is:

Before meals: 80–130 mg/dL (4.4–7.2 mmol/L)
Two hours after meals: Less than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L)
Insulin therapy is lifelong, but with the right care and routine, individuals with T1D can lead full, active, and healthy lives.

I hope I have answered your queries.

Please let me know if you have any other doubts.

Thank you.