A protein that is part of your immune system. Antibodies are made to help destroy antigens – substances that trigger an immune response. Each antibody is specific to one antigen.
A condition where your immune system, which normally keeps your body safe against disease, attacks healthy parts of the body by mistake. Examples of autoimmune conditions are type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
A type of cell that makes insulin. Beta cells are located within the islets of the pancreas. In type 1 diabetes, beta cells are targeted and destroyed by the immune system.
A doctor who specialises in conditions caused by problems with hormones, including type 1 diabetes.
Also known as high blood sugar, hyperglycemia means there is too much glucose circulating in the blood. People with T1D might experience hyperglycemia (or a “hyper” for short) if they haven’t taken enough insulin to match the carbohydrates they have eaten, or they are unwell.