I write regarding the article ‘Diabetes victims suffer in secret’ (The Press, June 13).

I appreciate the article is designed to raise awareness of the need to acknowledge Type 2 diabetes as a threat to health.

I do, however, feel that with the emphasis continually on this type of diabetes and its causes, there is little appreciation of the fact that Type 1 diabetes is in no way self-inflicted.

In most cases, Type 1 diabetes is thought to be an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system makes antibodies against part or parts of the body. In Type 1 diabetes, the cells that make insulin have been destroyed and insulin must be provided by other means, usually injection.

Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile, early onset, or insulin-dependent diabetes. It usually first develops in children or young adults.

I was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic at the age of ten and have now survived the condition for almost 52 years. I inject myself with insulin four times every day and also carry out finger prick tests several times a day.

I won’t pretend that I am never anxious, angry, depressed or plain rebellious due to my resentment of this “nuisance” in my life, but I can honestly say that my biggest frustration is the misguided belief that I have brought this upon myself by letting myself go.

Helen Maltby, Wyre Court, The Village, Haxby, York.