Daily Life With Type 1 Diabetes
by Nohemi Romo
What is type 1 diabetes?
Insulin to adjust blood glucose levels
-Usually: start with 3-4 injections of insulin per day for best control that depends on the blood glucose level. *should be timed with meals to effectively allow glucose to process
-Factors- Include diet, exercise, injection site/time, stress or illness
Blood sugar monitoring
How to check blood with basic a basic monitor *make sure to read instruction manual beforehand
1.Wash hands
2. Insert the test strip into meter
3. Use lancing device on the side of your finger to extract a drop of blood {tip- if using fingertip put on side of fingernail to avoid sore spots developing}
4. Blood glucose level will then appear on meter
Diet of a diabetic
-Carbohydrates should be 45%-65% of daily calories
~best choices are: veggies, fruits, beans, whole grains, high fiber foods
-Fats 25%-20% of daily cal. *Limit transfats
~best choices are: olive, peanut and canola oils, fish, walnuts, low-fat dairy products
-protein 12%-20% of daily cal.
~best choices: fish, soy, poultry, limited red meats
-Sodium(salt)- limit to 1,500 mg/day or less to help maintain a balanced blood pressure
Professionals that can help you with your type 1 diabetes
Dietician
Specializes in nutritional heath to make recommendations on what a patient should eat for their specific needs. Can help stay fit according to their diabetes to achieve a maintained healthy life style.
Podiatrist
Endocrinologist
Lifestyle tips
-sugar-free jello, low-fat cheese sticks and nuts
-For low blood sugar: smarteez, fruit juice box
*Things to take along out of the house:
- Band aids for injection sites, alcohol wipes,
-Of course insulin and a blood sugar monitor
-Consider buying a medic alert bracelet it will really help in a emergancy
*No smoking or excessive drinking are more important now with a more chance for complications
*Stress: Diabetes management has a large impact on mental health. Loved ones of the diabetic and themselves must relax without losing control of management. The stress can increase blood sugar and decrease life quality. For resolutions or how to cope-
-Talk it out with family and close friends
-Talk to other fellow type one diabetics
-A support group or just laughing or having fun
Exercise
Citations
1. Blood Glucose Testing: American Diabetes Association®. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/?loc=lwd-slabnav
2. Diabetes Awareness | Learn About Feet | APMA. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://apma.org/Learn/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1405&navItemNumber=557
3. Diabetes management: How lifestyle, daily routine affect blood sugar - Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963
4. Type 1 Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.dlife.com/diabetes/type-1/diabetes-treatment