Some information provided by the American Diabetes Association.
In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks down the sugars and starches you eat into a simple sugar called glucose, which it uses for energy. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives.
Exercise
Physical activity helps the hormone insulin absorb glucose into all your body’s cells, including your muscles, for energy. Muscles use glucose better than fat does. Building and using muscle through physical activity can help prevent high blood glucose. Sometimes people experience a drop in blood glucose during or after exercise, so it is very important to monitor your blood glucose, take proper precautions, and be prepared to treat hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
Blood glucose can also run high during or after exercise, particularly when you do a high-intensity exercise that increases your stress hormone (i.e., glucose-raising hormone) levels. If your blood glucose is high before starting exercise, check your blood or urine for ketones. If you test positive for ketones, avoid vigorous activity.
Nutrition
A healthy, balanced diet is also important for people with Type 1 diabetes. Carbohydrates are your friend because they are your body’s main source of energy. You get them from many foods, like grains (pasta, bread, crackers, and cookies), fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and sugars. Carbs raise your blood sugar levels faster than any food. Additionally, people with Type 1 diabetes are also encouraged to make healthier food choices that are lower in saturated fat, sugar and salt.
Mental Health
Studies have shown that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of dealing with depression. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Relax! Making lifestyle changes can help reduce mental stress and manage your blood glucose levels. Diabetes can be really tough, and if you are having a hard time handling it on your own, please know that there are people out there who can help you.
Tests
A1C is a common blood test used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes and gauge how well a person is managing their diabetes. The A1C test result reflects a person’s average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Specifically, the A1C test measures what percentage of their hemoglobin — a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen — is coated with sugar. The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher your risk of diabetes complications.
Finally…
Hemoglobin A1C levels of 4.5% to 5.7% are considered normal. The A1C goal for people with diabetes is less than 7%. A change in a patient’s treatment plan is almost always needed if the test result is over 8%. If patients can lower their HbA1c numbers by any amount, they will improve their chances of staying healthy.
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