The article accompanying this learning activity first appeared in the April 2012 issue of Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand.

Much attention is given to the global epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus while less is paid to the increasing incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Incidence of T1DM is increasing by 3 to 5 per cent per year, most rapidly in the under-fives. T1DM has more severe consequences, at an earlier age than type 2 diabetes. Absolute loss of beta cell function ensures that those with T1DM require insulin therapy from very early on in the disease process. By contrast, many people with type 2 diabetes will not require insulin therapy until their disease has progressed significantly. This activity  considers the causes and consequences of T1DM and discusses insulin therapy used in the treatment of both T1DM and advanced type 2 diabetes.

After completing this online learning activity and quiz, you should be able to:

• Outline the basic mechanisms underlying the development of type 1 diabetes.
• Discuss current theories surrounding causative factors in type 1 diabetes.
• Describe acute and chronic complications of type 1 diabetes.
• Describe differences in the various types of exogenous insulin available for therapy.
• Discuss adverse effects of insulin therapy.