Type 1 diabetes cannot be cured but it can be managed well. Caring for your diabetes can help prevent dangerous medical complications, like heart disease and kidney damage. Here's how to take charge of type 1 diabetes.
Blood Sugar Checks
Testing your blood sugar regularly can show you if your diabetes is in check. Your doctor can tell you what your target blood sugar range is.You'll need to check your blood sugar often - up to several times a day - to make sure you're meeting your goal. Ask your doctor how often you need to check it. Keep track of blood sugar readings by saving them on your meter or by logging them in a journal. Bring the meter or journal with you to all doctor visits. You doctor will look over your readings to see if your diabetes treatment plan is working or if something about your treatment needs to be changed.
For Good Blood Sugar Control
So how do you meet your blood sugar targets? By following your diabetes care plan exactly as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will create a plan to meet your needs, and monitor your readings to make sure the plan is working. Everyone's treatment strategy is different, so it's important you follow your doctor's instructions.Insulin therapy, a healthy diet and regular exercise are the cornerstones of good type 1 diabetes care:
- Insulin therapy. Insulin is a hormone that's made by the body. It moves sugar, or glucose, from the bloodstream to the cells in the body, where it is used for energy. In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn't make any or enough insulin, so sugar builds up in the blood. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections to move sugar into the cells to give the body energy. Insulin cannot be taken in pill form because it would be digested like food. It needs to be inserted into the fat under the skin to reach the bloodstream. Insulin is injected using a syringe, pen or pump. You may only need to take insulin several times a day. Or you may need insulin delivered all day through a pump. Your doctor will let you know your insulin specifics, such as when to take insulin and the dose you need.
- A nutritious diet. A diabetes diet is no different than any other healthy diet. Your diet should mainly be made up of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat and nonfat dairy. Foods high in saturated and trans fat, sodium and added sugars should only be eaten sparingly. Some people with type 1 diabetes may need to count carbohydrates. This process can be tricky. The American Diabetes Association suggests that all people with diabetes get nutritional counseling. A dietitian can show you how certain foods and eating patterns affect blood sugar levels. Together, you'll create a meal plan based on your needs and food preferences that will keep your diabetes under control.
- Regular exercise. Exercise leads to better blood sugar control by helping your body respond better to insulin and moving insulin from the blood into the cells. Physical activity also helps ward off other chronic diseases and boosts energy levels. Getting active is safe for most people with type 1 diabetes but check with your doctor first to make sure it's OK for you. With your doctor's approval, increase your activity level slowly and aim for 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, five days a week. You may need to take special precautions to reduce your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) during exercise. And you may have limited exercise choices if you have nerve damage in your feet or other complications. For example, your doctor may suggest swimming instead of jogging.
Controlling other Factors Can Help
These actions can also help cut your risk of diabetes complications:- Reach or keep a healthy weight. Even a modest weight loss, if you are overweight, can help blood sugar.
- Don't smoke. If you do, get help to quit.
- Limit alcohol. Women should limit alcohol to one drink per day and men should curb alcohol intake to no more than two drinks each day.
- Learn how to manage stress. If you have trouble coping with stress or have signs of depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor. He or she may suggest counseling, support groups or medicine that can help.
- Check your feet each day for any sores or injuries that could lead to infection.
- Take all medications as prescribed. Tell your doctor all the drugs you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, supplements and herbs.
- See your doctor as often as suggested. Regular checkups can help make sure your care plan is working.
- Get eye, feet and dental exams each year or as often as advised. Your doctor can spot problems early, before they turn into major complications.
- Have your urine tested for microalbumin or protein as often as your doctor recommends.
- Get a flu shot every year.
- Get your pneumonia shot.
- How Diabetes Affects Your Feet
- Diabetes and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
- Tight Blood Sugar Control to Help You Manage Diabetes
- How to Use Insulin Pens When You Have Diabetes
References
- American Diabetes Association. Insulin routines.
- American Diabetes Association. Executive summary - standards of medical care in diabetes - 2010. Diabetes Care. 2010;33(Suppl 1):S4-S10.
- Penn Medicine. Endocrinology and diabetes: maintain regular check-ups.
- National Diabetes Education Program. 4 steps to control your diabetes. For life.
- American Diabetes Association. Checking blood glucose.