Managing Type 1 Diabetes

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that happens when the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make a hormone called insulin. Insulin is necessary to convert the glucose we get from food into energy that we can use. When there is no insulin to do this job, as happens in the case of people with type 1 diabetes, the glucose builds up in the blood instead. This causes high blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, which in turn causes a range of health problems that can be very serious and even deadly.

Fortunately, your doctor can help you develop a care plan that combines glucose monitoring with insulin replacement and lifestyle changes so that you can manage your type 1 diabetes and live a healthy life.

Things You’ll Need to Do

Type 1 diabetes a deadly disease that requires a regimen of consistent care and daily attention. This can include a combination of blood sugar monitoring, insulin replacement, a healthy diet and regular eating plan, and physical activity.

It is critical for people with type 1 diabetes to regularly monitor their blood sugar, throughout the day and at night as well, in order to keep their blood glucose in a healthy range at all times. When necessary, they need to take insulin replacements with injections or with an insulin pump. Though individual blood glucose levels vary, in general, most diabetics aim to keep their blood glucose as close to the fasting target of 4 to 6 mmol/L as possible. Keeping blood glucose levels in this target range can help avoid dangerous complications like hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, and hyperglycemia.

Type 1 diabetics also need to adjust their diets and levels of physical activity to manage their condition. Though exercise is important for health, physical activity can also lower blood sugar, so it’s important to work with a doctor to find a balance that works for you.

Find Out More

If you have diabetes, it is important to visit a doctor once or twice a year at least, to manage your illness, prevent complications before they occur, and treat any issues that do arise. Your doctor should check your blood pressure, in addition to your cholesterol, weight and blood sugar. And if your A1C test is extremely high, it’s a good idea to take a new test bi-annually.

At least once a year, visit a dentist to check your teeth and gums, and visit an ophthalmologist for an eye exam. You should also have a complete annual examination of your legs and feet to watch out for swelling, cuts, blisters, and red spots, in addition to monitoring themselves.

You can find out more information about managing type 1 diabetes by contacting Live Well Rehab. Once you truly understand your condition, you can work together with your healthcare team to develop the diabetes care plan that is unique to your own health needs. Armed with information, it’s possible to manage your disease and live a long and healthy life with type 1 diabetes.