Type 1 diabetes can lead to several potentially threatening health issues and complications; therefore, it is highly recommended to comply with a careful management protocol for this chronic metabolic illness. Internal medicine doctors and endocrinologists are appropriately skilled to guide patients in appropriately managing the disease. Diabetic people also require frequent and periodic evaluations from the podiatrists, ophthalmologists and educators who could guide patientsmore about controlling their hyperglycemia.
Previously referred as insulin dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is clinically defined as an illness in which the body produces little or no insulin at all. Insulin is a hypoglycemic hormone which is requiredfor the glucose entering in the cells of your body.
Factors that influence type 1 diabetes also include exposure to certain viruses. It usually occurs in the early years of life but may also appear in later years. So far there is no curative therapy available that could permanently treat the symptoms of the illness, yet several management options are available to maintain normal sugar concentration in the blood.
Since the initial symptoms are usually abrupt withsevere symptoms, hospitalization is often necessary. A weekly check-up will also be necessary until your blood sugar levels are under control.
Insulin helps in normalizing theblood sugar concentration. Type 1 diabetic patients need daily insulin intake that may be administered by insulin pump, insulin pen or via syringe. Oral administration of insulin is not recommended as it gets altered in the acidic medium of stomach. The duration and intensity of effect depends upon the type of insulin administered. A combination of different types may also be used for better control over blood sugar concentration. Insulin shots are usually needed 1-4 times per day. The nurse or doctor will educate you regarding self-administration of insulin.
Listed below are the benefits and drawbacks of insulin treatment:
Benefits:
Careful insulin treatment improves the blood sugar levels. This in turn minimizes the complications associated with the disease.
Drawbacks:
Some extra medications may also be used (via prescription) for the management of type 1 diabetes.
Try consuming a diet rich in low fat, highly nutritious and fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, veggies and fruits. Eat less of the refined carbohydrates products like sweets and white bread and less of animal products. Be sure to count the carbohydrates you consume in order to administer the right amount of insulin to metabolize the dietary sugars readily.
Upon doctor’s recommendation, adopt a regular aerobic exercise for 30 minutes each day andtry activities like biking, swimming or walking. Also, add strength training and flexibility exercises to your daily routine. Physical activity tends to lower the blood sugar levels, so you might want to adjust the insulin administration and meal timing if you are increasing the duration of activity.
Based on the selected insulin therapy, you should record the levels of your blood sugar levels 4 times a day or even more. Wash your hands once you’re done checking. You may monitor it before sleeping, exercising or starting a meal. CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) is very beneficial in preventing hypoglycemia. However, its accuracy doesn’t beat the standard blood glucose monitor.
If you find difficulty in coping up with type 1 diabetes, then watch the inspirational personal life experience video below to feel motivated and determined:
With your life as it is, things may become exhausting while you put up an effort to cope with your disease. Given below are some lifestyle modifications that will help you in living with type 1 diabetes.