What to expect with type 1 diabetes
A Day In The Life Of a Diabetic
What you should know about type one diabetes
Type one diabetes, or insulin deficient diabetes, is usually diagnosed at a young age. In this form of diabetes, the body is not able to produce insulin. Insulin is needed to allow the cells of the body to get the energy they need from sugar. Type one diabetics are dependent on several insulin shots a day and other treatments in order to keep their sugar levels stable. As long as you closely monitor your diabetes, you will be able to live a long, healthy life.
Why you MUST monitor your blood glucose levels
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is the only way you will be able to keep your diabetes under control. Maintaining a balanced glucose level will allow you live your life in the healthiest possible way. Blood glucose levels that are too high or too low can cause dangerous health complications. Each person with diabetes is different, so your doctor should discuss with you what levels are too high, too low, and normal for your lifestyle. Keeping a log of each to you check your glucose levels is a great way to ensure that you are properly caring for your diabetes.
Diet, exercise, & lifestyle suggestions
People with type one diabetes must make sure that they are eating a balanced diet. Just because you've been diagnosed with diabetes does not mean you have limited options in food. You should be eating a variety of vegetables that do not contain starch, whole grain foods rather than processed grain products, lean meats, dried beans, non-fat dairy products, and fish at least twice a week. You must also watch your portions sizes even if you're eating healthy to avoid weight gain. Watching the amount carbohydrates you consume is also very important. Limiting the starches, sugars, and fibers in your diet will help you to maintain a healthy blood glucose level. It is best to limit eating sugar to special occasions.
It is important to participate in physical activity when living with diabetes. Some people notice that their blood glucose levels drop with certain exercise. Monitoring your blood glucose levels before, during, and after exercise will give you and idea of how exercise affects you. You may experience hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, depending on your exercise, and it is a good idea to be prepared to treat it.
The lifestyle of a diabetic is crucial because it can make or break how healthy they are. Managing your diabetes is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Be sure to take you necessary medications, eat healthy, and get physical activity. It is also important to regularly see medical professionals, such as a primary care physician, dentist, ophthalmologist, and diabetes educator, to ensure that you're keeping up your health. It's a good idea to wear a tag or bracelet that states that you have diabetes in case of emergencies.
Must see medical professionals
One of the most important medical professionals you must see is a primary care physician. They help to ensure that you're generally healthy, and if you are not they can refer you to a professional who will be able to treat you specific needs. An endocrinologist is also a necessary medical professional to visit regularly. Endocrinologists will help monitor your health, prevent you from developing any of the deadly conditions that tend to go along with diabetes, and treat diabetes through diet and various blood sugar reducing medications. Visiting an ophthalmologist yearly will help to maintain the health of your eyes through your life time. Over time if you have blood glucose levels, it can damage the retinas of your eyes. Yearly check ups can help to prevent any damage that could be done to your retinas before it is too late.
References
American Diabetes Association (2013, July 19). Checking Your Blood Glucose - American Diabetes Association®. Retrieved January 2, 2014, from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/checking-your-blood-glucose.html
American Diabetes Association (n.d.). Exercise & Type 1 Diabetes - American Diabetes Association®. Retrieved January 3, 2014, from http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/fitness/exercise-and-type-1-diabetes.html
News Medical (n.d.). Endocrinologist - What is an Endocrinologist? Retrieved January 2, 2014, from http://www.news-medical.net/health/Endocrinologist-What-is-an-Endocrinologist.aspx