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WHO Issues First-Ever Guidelines For Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first-ever guidelines for the diagnosis and management of type 1 diabetes in adults. The recommendations aim to improve insulin access and blood glucose monitoring in countries where healthcare resources are limited.

Released on November 14 to mark World Diabetes Day 2026, the guidelines cover insulin treatment, blood glucose monitoring and care in emergency and humanitarian settings. They are meant to help healthcare providers deliver safer treatment, regardless of the resources available.

The guidelines come as the global burden of type 1 diabetes continues to grow. In 2025, 500,000 people were diagnosed with type 1 <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/the-indian-vegetarian-paradox-can-a-vegetarian-diet-still-leave-you-at-risk-of-diabetes-article-156497393" data-type="tilCustomLink">diabetes</a>, adding to an estimated 9.5 million people living with the condition worldwide in 2025, according to the WHO. Although type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed during childhood, it can develop at any age, including adulthood.

<h2>WHO Guidelines On Type 1 Diabetes</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/effect-of-diabetes-on-different-organs-why-the-damage-is-not-the-same-everywhere-article-156504133" data-type="tilCustomLink">Effect of Diabetes on Different Organs: Why the Damage Is Not the Same Everywhere</a>

A primary recommendation is intensified insulin treatment through multiple daily injections, along with the doses adjusted according to blood glucose levels. People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce enough insulin and therefore need lifelong insulin therapy to survive.

The guidelines recognise insulin as an effective and affordable treatment option. Insulin analogues, which are modified forms of insulin designed to alter how long the medicine works, may also be used when needed. The guidelines also address how treatment and monitoring can be adapted in low-resource settings and during emergencies.

The recommendations also emphasise regular blood glucose monitoring. 

<ul><li><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/hba1c-test-may-not-be-accurate-for-everyone-who-should-not-rely-on-it-article-156506515" data-type="tilCustomLink">HbA1c testing</a>: A blood test that provides an estimate of average blood glucose levels over the previous two to three months.</li><li>Finger-prick testing: Allows people to check their blood glucose levels at home at different points during the day.</li><li>Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM): Uses a small sensor worn on the skin to track glucose levels throughout the day.</li><li>Urine glucose testing: May be considered when blood glucose testing is not available.</li></ul>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-diabetes-day-2026-is-indias-toxic-air-adding-to-its-diabetes-crisis-what-experts-say-article-156509334" data-type="tilCustomLink">World Diabetes Day 2026: Is India's Toxic Air Adding To Its Diabetes Crisis? What Experts Say</a>

More than a century after insulin was discovered, access to affordable treatment remains a challenge for many people with type 1 diabetes. Interruptions in insulin supply can be life-threatening because the body depends on externally administered insulin to regulate blood glucose.

Without enough insulin, blood glucose can rise dangerously and lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a fatal complication.

“Insulin is a lifesaving treatment, discovered more than 100 years ago. Yet many people with type 1 diabetes do not have access to affordable and high-quality insulin,” said Dr Søren Brostrøm, WHO Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health.

“The new WHO guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to help countries deliver the best possible care, including in settings where resources are limited and health services are disrupted.”

The WHO guidelines aim to reduce these gaps by providing recommendations that can be implemented across different healthcare systems, including those with limited resources. They also support the organisation's bigger target of ensuring universal access to affordable insulin treatment and blood glucose self-monitoring by 2030.

The WHO has encouraged countries to involve people living with <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-diabetes-day-why-some-diabetes-patients-may-not-be-suitable-for-glp-1-treatment-experts-explain-article-156506659" data-type="tilCustomLink">type 1 diabetes</a> in designing diabetes programmes, so that they reflect practical challenges patients face.

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Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Unlike type 2 diabetes, it is not primarily caused by insulin resistance or lifestyle factors.

People with the condition need lifelong insulin treatment, alongside regular glucose monitoring and medical follow-up. Without appropriate management, diabetes can lead to complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves and cardiovascular system.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first-ever guidelines for the diagnosis and management of type 1 diabetes in adults. The recommendations aim to improve insulin access and blood glucose monitoring in countries where healthcare resources are limited.Released on November 14 to mark World Diabetes Day 2026, the guidelines cover insulin treatment, blood glucose monitoring and care in emergency and humanitarian settings. They are meant to help healthcare providers deliver safer treatment, regardless of the resources available.The guidelines come as the global burden of type 1 diabetes continues to grow. In 2025, 500,000 people were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, adding to an estimated 9.5 million people living with the condition worldwide in 2025, according to the WHO. Although type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed during childhood, it can develop at any age, including adulthood. WHO Guidelines On Type 1 DiabetesAlso read: Effect of Diabetes on Different Organs: Why the Damage Is Not the Same EverywhereA primary recommendation is intensified insulin treatment through multiple daily injections, along with the doses adjusted according to blood glucose levels. People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce enough insulin and therefore need lifelong insulin therapy to survive.The guidelines recognise insulin as an effective and affordable treatment option. Insulin analogues, which are modified forms of insulin designed to alter how long the medicine works, may also be used when needed. The guidelines also address how treatment and monitoring can be adapted in low-resource settings and during emergencies.The recommendations also emphasise regular blood glucose monitoring. HbA1c testing: A blood test that provides an estimate of average blood glucose levels over the previous two to three months.Finger-prick testing: Allows people to check their blood glucose levels at home at different points during the day.Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM): Uses a small sensor worn on the skin to track glucose levels throughout the day.Urine glucose testing: May be considered when blood glucose testing is not available.Importance Of WHO GuidelinesAlso read: World Diabetes Day 2026: Is India's Toxic Air Adding To Its Diabetes Crisis? What Experts SayMore than a century after insulin was discovered, access to affordable treatment remains a challenge for many people with type 1 diabetes. Interruptions in insulin supply can be life-threatening because the body depends on externally administered insulin to regulate blood glucose.Without enough insulin, blood glucose can rise dangerously and lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a fatal complication.“Insulin is a lifesaving treatment, discovered more than 100 years ago. Yet many people with type 1 diabetes do not have access to affordable and high-quality insulin,” said Dr Søren Brostrøm, WHO Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health.“The new WHO guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to help countries deliver the best possible care, including in settings where resources are limited and health services are disrupted.”The WHO guidelines aim to reduce these gaps by providing recommendations that can be implemented across different healthcare systems, including those with limited resources. They also support the organisation's bigger target of ensuring universal access to affordable insulin treatment and blood glucose self-monitoring by 2030.The WHO has encouraged countries to involve people living with type 1 diabetes in designing diabetes programmes, so that they reflect practical challenges patients face.   Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Unlike type 2 diabetes, it is not primarily caused by insulin resistance or lifestyle factors.People with the condition need lifelong insulin treatment, alongside regular glucose monitoring and medical follow-up. Without appropriate management, diabetes can lead to complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves and cardiovascular system.

who issues first-ever guidelines for adults with type 1 diabetes

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WHO Issues First-Ever Guidelines For Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

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WHO Issues First-Ever Guidelines For Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

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