When first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, many people naturally wonder how it will affect their lives, both immediately and in the future. Understanding diabetes and the impact of activities such as eating, exercise, sick days and everyday life on your glucose levels is an important part of glucose management.
After eating, food is broken down into glucose which is needed to give the body energy for all daily activities. Our bodies also need insulin, normally produced by the pancreas, to help transfer glucose from the bloodstream to the cells.
When the pancreas does not produce insulin the glucose will remain in the bloodstream, leaving cells without any energy. The high glucose level in the blood causes the more acute physical signs and symptoms of diabetes. To treat diabetes it is important to take into consideration many factors of its management, including blood glucose monitoring, carbohydrate intake, physical activities and insulin requirements to ensure good blood glucose control and to reduce the risk of complications.
By understanding the body’s needs and learning how to keep blood glucose within recommended levels, it is possible to manage diabetes effectively.
Many people resume a happy, healthy lifestyle and enjoy normal activities after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Through understanding how to control blood glucose levels, activities such as eating out, sleeping in on weekends, playing sports and travelling abroad for trips or holidays can still be enjoyed to the full.
"When I was diagnosed, I had problems getting motivated to control my glucose levels and didn't take my diabetes seriously."