A Day in the Life of a Diabetic
Type 1
General Background
Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes, is a genetic disease in which the cells in the pancreas produce little or no insulin. Without insulin, there is no way for the cells throughout the body to take in the glucose from the blood and use it for energy.
Basic Diet Recommendations
It is very important for someone with type 1 diabetes to monitor how much glucose they take in. Complex carbohydrates and proteins are great choices, but you should avoid things like soda, white rice, full-fat dairy, and fatty cuts of meat.
Role of Blood Sugar Monitoring
Daily Blood Sugar Monitoring regulates the amount of glucose in your blood. This should be done at least 4 times a day especially before bed. Most people test their level of blood sugar by taking a blood sample. The results let the person know when and how much insulin they should inject.
Exercise and Lifestyle
Diabetics are recommended to live an active and healthy lifestyle. Many diabetics who exercise lower blood glucose levels, have better cholesterol levels, and reduce their stress levels. These exercises can range from cardio based workouts to strength workouts. However diabetics that regularly exercise have an increased risk of hypoglycemia which can cause blood sugar levels to drop to dangerously low levels.
Who to Talk to
Nutritionist: A diabetic can consult a nutritionist in order to find out what they can and can't eat. They can also help determine a meal plan for a diabetic in order to keep them healthy and happy with what they eat. If meals are planned out correctly, it will be hard to tell a diabetic's diet from a healthy person's diet.
Certified Diabetic Educator: Diabetic educators work with diabetic patients to help them change their lifestyle and nutritional habits so the disease can be better understood. They also teach the patient about blood glucose monitoring, proper nutrition, and daily exercise routines.
Endocrinologist: Because the pancreas is part of the endocrine system, an endocrinologist is an expert on diabetes. One of these doctors can prescribe insulin and other medication, suggest a meal plan, and help a diabetic keep track of their blood glucose levels.