Type 1 diabetes causes the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood to become too high.

It happens when your body cannot produce enough of a hormone called insulin which controls blood glucose. You need daily injections of insulin to keep your blood glucose levels under control.

Different factors, including genetics and some viruses, may contribute to type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. This is where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin

Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age.

Friends and family can help

Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is not easy. It can take time to adjust to and it can affect how you feel.

Telling people you have diabetes can be difficult, but it'll help them understand what you're going through.

Friends, family and colleagues can give you support and encouragement when you have just been diagnosed or you're struggling to manage it.

There are many people with type 1 diabetes offering support and sharing their stories on forums, social media and in group meetings.

You do not have to talk to others in online groups, but it can be helpful to look.

Diabetes courses are encouraged for everyone with type 1 diabetes. It does not matter how long you have been diagnosed.

Evidence shows people who have been on a course have more stable blood glucose (sugar) levels and fewer complications. Many people who have attended these courses describe them as 'life changing'.

There are different ways to do a course. There are benefits whatever way you choose to learn, and courses are free.

Talk to your diabetes team about what's available in your area.

Face-to-face courses, like dose adjustment for normal eating (DAFNE), focus on learning how to count carbs and adjust insulin.

You learn in a small group and meet people going through the same things as you who are also living with diabetes. This can give you support during and after the course.

Courses usually run for 5 days.

Learning online means you can do it at your own pace and at a time that suits you. You can leave and come back at any time.

You pick the subjects you want to learn and do as many as you like. This might be useful if you have just been diagnosed and there's a lot to take in, or you have already done a course but need a refresher.

Online courses are designed for everyone with any level of computer skills. You can do it on your phone, tablet or laptop.

Try these online courses:

• BERTIE is an online type 1 diabetes course created by Royal Bournemouth Hospital UK.

• Diabetes UK website has an interactive learning tool for people with type 1 diabetes.