Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include: extreme thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, increased appetite, unexpected and sudden weight loss, sudden vision changes, fruit odor on breath, heavy or labored breathing, and stupor or unconsciousness. These may occur suddenly. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, call a doctor immediately. If left untreated, Type 1 diabetes can be fatal.
How is Type 1 diabetes treated or managed?
Because the body of someone with Type 1 diabetes doesn't produce insulin, it has to be replaced by other means. At present, it is usually given by regular injections or by a continuous infusion system, such as from an insulin pump. A healthy diet and physical activity, promoting growth and normal weight, are seen as a crucial part of the treatment, in addition to insulin injections. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary so that insulin can be adjusted for food and activity levels. The aim of the treatment is to maintain the blood glucose level within the normal range for as much time as possible. Basic information on how to control Type 1 diabetes is normally given at the time of diagnosis.
An important element of Type 1 diabetes management is to have regular check-ups to establish how the body is coping. In addition, there will be an annual check-up at the hospital where comprehensive tests will be carried out. This annual check-up will also include a discussion of how Type 1 diabetes is affecting daily life and an opportunity to ask questions.
What is the optimal blood glucose range?
Check with your doctor about the individual blood glucose you should aim for. In general, optimal blood glucose goals are:
- Before meals: 4-7 mmol/L
- Before bedtime: 6-10 mmol/L
- Blood glucose is consistently lower than 4 mmol/L or higher than 10 mmol/L before meals.
- Blood glucose is consistently lower than 6 mmol/L or higher than 12 mmol/L before bedtime.
- Blood glucose levels may be modified for children and others who are at greater risk of hypoglycemia.
In a person who has Type 1 diabetes, the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas are destroyed. However, during the period immediately following diagnosis people must go through a honeymoon phase in which their existing beta cells still function, producing some insulin. A number of research projects are currently underway, which hope to preserve the function of these existing beta cells past the honeymoon phase.
What foods should a person with Type 1 diabetes eat/avoid?
People with Type 1 diabetes can eat most foods and don't require any special foods. The 'diabetic diet' only needs to be a healthy diet that provides easily controllable and accessible fuel for your body. Limiting the amount of fat eaten is important for those with diabetes, because high cholesterol and diabetes are two of the four risk factors for developing heart disease.
These are some other tips about what to eat and avoid:
- Rather than frying foods, bake, grill, poach, or saute them in non-stick pans.
- Vegetables can be steamed or microwaved.
- Buy tinned fish in water instead of oil and tinned fruit in fruit juice instead of syrup.
- Dairy products such as butter, milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream, are fine for people with diabetes, but lower fat versions will help make managing the condition easier.
- Low-fat meats such as turkey, fish, and chicken are better for you than red meat, which is high in fat. Remember to remove the skin before cooking.
- Change diets based on animal protein to one that is rich in complex carbohydrates, such as starches that are found in breads, cereals, starchy vegetables, legumes, rice, and pasta.
- When possible choose whole grain equivalents of foods such as cereals, breads, brown rice, bulgur, and barley.
- Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, complete with the skins. Avoid overcooking vegetables.
The initial response to a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes is often extremely emotional. It is not uncommon to experience emotions such as shock, anger, denial, guilt, sadness, and despair. Parents and caregivers will often feel these emotions more keenly and more immediately than the child.
At the same time as the emotional impact, there are a lot of practical issues that have to be dealt with. In the short term there is a lot of new information to take on board. There are also new skills to learn such as injecting, monitoring, and choosing foods.
In the longer future, there may be fears for the future, including the long-term health consequences of having Type 1 diabetes. Learning as much as possible and talking to others with the condition will increase your feelings of control and choice. Although daily life will always be more complicated, by managing Type 1 diabetes, many people have proved that it is no barrier to living an active, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Parents and caregivers may want to find a way to meet their emotional needs or to increase their resourcefulness at a time of intense change. One way might be to join an organization where they can meet others in the same situation or join in with activities such as helping to promote diabetes awareness or research for a cure.
How did my child/I get Type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an ancient condition documented as far back as 1500 BC. While we know so much more about Type 1 diabetes than we did then, there is still much we do not know. To find and understand the cause of Type 1 diabetes more research is needed.
Currently, it is thought to be caused by an auto-immune response that may be triggered by a viral or other infection, which damages the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. This in turn will eventually lead to Type 1 diabetes.
However, because the precise causes of Type 1 diabetes are not known and there is a much greater awareness of Type 2 diabetes, many myths about Type 1 diabetes are in circulation. Type 1 diabetes is not caused by eating the wrong foods or too much sugar. In fact, it isn't caused by anything the child or parent did or didn't do.
Is Type 1 diabetes hereditary?
Some people are unsure whether Type 1 diabetes is hereditary or not. While 90% of people who develop Type 1 diabetes have no relative with the condition, genetic factors can predispose people to developing Type 1 diabetes. Certain genes called HLA markers are associated with Type 1 diabetes risk. A child born with such markers will have the same risk of developing Type 1 diabetes as a child with siblings with Type 1 diabetes. However, having the HLA marker alone is not enough to cause someone to develop Type 1 diabetes- it is thought that an additional trigger causes Type 1 diabetes to develop.
How long will I/my child have Type 1 diabetes? Can be it outgrown?
At the moment there is no cure for Type 1 diabetes and it is a lifelong condition.
What is the life expectancy of someone with Type 1 diabetes?
The life expectancy of someone with Type 1 diabetes is on average 15 years shorter than someone not affected by the disease. There is no such thing as an average person with Type 1 diabetes however, as each person's experience of living with the condition is different. Type 1 diabetes is difficult to deal with and the potential consequences are extremely concerning, but research has already led to great improvements in treating Type 1 diabetes and quality of life. Future advances in technology and continued research will eventually result in Type 1 diabetes being curable.
How common is Type 1 diabetes?
In the United States 5% of people with diabetes, roughly 26 million, have Type 1 diabetes. 97% of diabetes cases in children are Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 is five times more common than bacterial meningitis, and more common than cancer, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
