What's my type? | Diabetes care basics | Resources for caregivers | Charlie Kimball's story
Type 1 diabetes may be your reason
Did you know that Tresiba® is the only long-acting insulin that can be taken by children as young as 1 year of age with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes? If you or your child have diabetes, ask about Tresiba®.

See the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
TYPE 1
An autoimmune disorder (your body makes little or no insulin because of an overactive immune system)
5%-10% of people (adults and children) with diabetes have type 1
Treatment must include insulin
TYPE 2
A metabolic disorder (your body prevents the insulin it makes from working correctly and/or may not make enough insulin)
90%-95% of people (adults and children) with diabetes have type 2
Treatments may include insulin
Tresiba® as part of a basal-bolus insulin therapy
People with diabetes may need help controlling blood sugar with 2 insulins:
- A long-acting (basal) insulin controls blood sugar between meals and during sleep. Tresiba® is a long-acting insulin
- A fast-acting (bolus) insulin controls blood sugar when you eat. This kind of insulin is often called mealtime insulin. Learn about a mealtime insulin option from Novo Nordisk »
If you have type 1 diabetes, your treatment plan will include basal-bolus insulin therapy, which uses both insulins to closely mimic the body’s normal insulin release.

Manage your type 1 diabetes in these 4 areas


Healthy eating
If you or your child has type 1 diabetes, you’ll want to keep track of foods eaten and adjust insulin dosing accordingly. Your health care team can help you forge a plan for healthy eating that works.


Being active
Physical activity gives you more energy and makes your body more sensitive to insulin. With type 1 diabetes it’s important to monitor blood sugar with activity and keep “emergency carbs” on hand, like fruit juice, glucose tablets, or hard candies.


Taking insulin
If you have type 1 diabetes, you have likely been prescribed basal-bolus insulin therapy that includes both a long-acting (basal) insulin like Tresiba® and a rapid-acting (bolus) insulin for mealtimes. See how to take Tresiba®.


Tracking blood sugar
You’ll need to closely track your blood sugar level if you have type 1 diabetes. Your health care team will explain when and how often to check blood sugar. Download a blood sugar diary or an app to help stay on track.

Find support for managing your child’s diabetes
If your child has been diagnosed with diabetes, here are resources that may help you both learn how to manage it:

Get information on caring for a child with diabetes and navigating your new lifestyle with the Caring for Someone with Type 1 Diabetes brochure

Sign up for free support and information, including helpful emails and one-on-one calls with a Certified Diabetes Educator
As a caregiver, you can help your child develop a positive attitude toward a condition that they may have to manage their entire life.

The first licensed INDYCAR driver with type 1 diabetes
Charlie Kimball was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 5 years into his professional racing career. Today Charlie prepares for his races by watching what he eats, exercising, and using Tresiba® as prescribed by his doctor to help control his blood sugar for a full 24 hours, along with a mealtime insulin.
Charlie Kimball is a paid spokesperson for Novo Nordisk.
Carlin Racing is sponsored by Novo Nordisk.

The first licensed INDYCAR driver with type 1 diabetes
Charlie Kimball was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 5 years into his professional racing career. Today Charlie prepares for his races by watching what he eats, exercising, and using Tresiba® as prescribed by his doctor to help control his blood sugar for a full 24 hours, along with a mealtime insulin.
Charlie Kimball is a paid spokesperson for Novo Nordisk.
Carlin Racing is sponsored by Novo Nordisk.

Full 24-hour control
With Tresiba®, Charlie gets 24-hour blood sugar control with powerful A1C reduction. He also works hard to manage his diabetes day to day through diet and exercise.

Handling on and off the track
Charlie may drive fast, but he needs his long-acting insulin to release slow and steady throughout the day like the body’s insulin does.

Support to stay on track
As part of his care plan, Charlie depends on a supportive team to help him manage his diabetes. You can get free support and help with Tresiba®, too.
The #23 on Charlie's car represents the year 1923, when the 1st of 2 Danish companies that merged to create Novo Nordisk was founded—and insulin was produced for the first time.
The #23 on Charlie's car represents the year 1923, when the 1st of 2 Danish companies that merged to create Novo Nordisk was founded—and insulin was produced for the first time.
Track Charlie on Twitter
Charlie Kimball interacts with and keeps his fans regularly updated through @racewithinsulin.