Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
So - you or a loved one has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). There are several life changes that come with the condition! Understanding these will help you manage your health more effectively and keep your spirits high. Knowing is half the battle, and PatientsLikeMe is here to give you a patient guide to diabetes care.
Living with and treating type 1 diabetes requires a proactive approach to health management. Understanding the available treatments and adopting lifestyle modifications are essential steps towards effectively managing the condition.
All Things Insulin
The most important part of diabetes treatment revolves around insulin. When you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas either does not make any insulin, or makes very little. Insulin is a hormone that helps regular how much glucose, or sugar, in the blood. It helps your body turn food into energy. Without it, blood sugar cannot get into cells and instead builds up in the bloodstream. This damages the body and leads to serious health complications. So, to start, let's break down everything you need to know about insulin.
Insulin Therapy
There are several types of insulin to learn about and understand.
- Rapid acting- examples include aspart, glulisine, and lispro.
- Short acting- two major brands are Acrapid and Humulin S.
- Intermediate acting- the two major brands are Humulin I and Insulatard.
- Long acting- three types are detemir, glargine, and degulec.
- Very long acting
The difference between these types is in the names. They are classified according to how quickly they begin to work and for how long they remain active in your body. There are a few events can make you adjust how much insulin you take:
- When you exercise
- When you are sick
- Eating more or less food
- When traveling
- Before and after surgery
Insulin is typically administered through injections using insulin pens or insulin pumps. These devices allow for precise insulin dosage delivery. This helps you maintain optimal blood sugar levels throughout the day. The shots need to be taken daily. You may be wondering why it can't be done in pill form. Fair question! Stomach acid is extremely powerful, and research has found it destroys insulin before it has a chance to get into your bloodstream.
Insulin Injections
Many people who take insulin use a syringe to inject it. Often these come as insulin pens, which have a cartridge of insulin with the correct dose pre-filled. These are easy to use and portable. Doctors do recommend changing the injection site sometimes. After repeated injections, lumps or fatty deposits can develop.
Insulin Pumps
Insulin pumps offer an alternative to traditional insulin injections, providing greater flexibility in diabetes management. These devices continuously deliver insulin throughout the day. This lets them mimic the function of a healthy pancreas. Insulin pumps are particularly helpful for anyone who needs frequent insulin adjustments or has varying insulin needs.
Day-to-day Regulation
Regular Monitoring
This is the most important thing you can when treating your type 1 diabetes. Keeping blood sugar levels healthy, as we mentioned before, is essential for your body to function properly. Every person with T1D will have some way of monitoring their blood glucose levels. There are two options to know about.
- Blood Glucose Monitor (BGM): blood glucose monitoring requires finger sticks to get small samples of blood. Most patients use this method, and it involves using a glucose meter and test strips. After getting a small amount of blood, the test strips are placed into the glucose meter. This then shows your blood sugar levels.
- Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): continuous glucose monitoring devices are wearable. A small sensor is inserted under the skin, which measures glucose levels. The level is shown on a readout on the device itself. These can also be linked to insulin pumps.
Additionally, regular appointments with healthcare providers allow them to run comprehensive assessments. This helps with the management of the condition and lets them make adjustments to treatment plans, if necessary.
Click here to learn more about Type 1 Diabetes.
Lifestyle Changes
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits plays a crucial role for those treating their type 1 diabetes. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, and weight management are all key components. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote overall health. Similarly, engaging in regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduces the risk of complications associated with diabetes.
When you exercise, insulin helps move glucose from the blood to the muscle cells. Knowing how your body will respond to exercise can help you keep your glucose levels from going too high or too low. Expert recommendations are to check your levels 15-30 minutes before you start exercising, and every 30 minutes to 1 hour during. Try to exercise in a group or with a friend and keep your meter handy. Carry fast acting carbohydrates in case blood sugar levels drop. Drink plenty of water and talk to your doctor about whether you should adjust medication or insulin before starting.
Weight Management
Keeping a healthy weight is an important part of treating type 1 diabetes. This is particularly true for anyone who needs insulin therapy. Keep in mind that we are talking about a healthy weight. To some, that may mean losing weight. For others, it might not! For many people with type 1 diabetes, the opposite is true. Undiagnosed T1D patients may lose a lot of weight, and would need to gain some to get back to a healthy level. Even for those who need to lose a few pounds, even just taking off 5% can make a huge difference. Diet, exercise, and sleep are essential to maintaining a healthy weight.
For people who need to lose weight, dietary changes and increased physical activity can bring about weight loss and improve diabetes control. If you have any concerns regarding weight management or changes in body weight, you should talk to your doctor. They can offer personalized recommendations and support.
Staying Positive
Emotional Support
Managing and treating type 1 diabetes can be emotionally challenging! Often, it leads to feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression. Any chronic condition can also affect your mood. Having to deal with a health challenge every day is taxing, and feeling stressed is common. Having high or low blood sugar levels also can cause irritability, anger, and anxiety. "Diabetes Distress" is even a recognized side effect of the condition! It affects one in four people with T1D and can be mistaken for depression. If left unaddressed, it can lead to burnout and a feeling of powerlessness.
Seeking support from loved ones, support groups, or mental health professionals can help you cope with the emotional challenges you will face. It is essential to recognize that emotional well-being is an integral part of overall health. Prioritize self-care activities that promote mental and emotional resilience.
Sick Day Rules
When you get sick with another illness, your body can release hormones that raise blood glucose levels. This makes it harder to keep your blood sugar in your target range. During these times, you may need to work with your doctor to set up an action plan for how you will respond. These "Sick Day Rules" outline specific steps for managing diabetes during illness or other challenging circumstances. They should include the following:
- When to call your doctor
- How often to check your blood glucose
- What foods and fluids to take
- How to adjust your insulin or oral medication, if needed
- If and when you need to check for ketones.
- What over the counter medications (if any) you should use
You should also have a few things handy for when you need them! This sick-day kit can make life a lot easier when dealing with an illness. Try to include:
- A glucose meter
- Extra batteries
- Supplies for your insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor
- Ketone test strips
- A week's worth of glucose-lowering medication
- Glucose tabs or gels
Managing type 1 diabetes requires a lot of care and attention! You will need an approach that includes an understanding of your medication, lifestyle changes, emotional support, and regular monitoring. Be an active participant in your care and seek support when you need it. You can effectively manage your condition and lead a fulfilling life despite the challenges you face.
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