What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Without insulin, the body cannot use glucose from food for energy, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and a state of starvation in the cells. Once a type 1 diabetes diagnosis is received, It is imperative that the condition is managed effectively through regular testing of blood glucose levels. Multiple daily injections of insulin are also required for survival and can be administered just beneath the surface of the skin using syringes, insulin pens or through an insulin pump. Glucose management is a balancing act which requires many calculations. Diabetes technology is an amazing tool that aids greatly with the number of decisions made and the multitude of factors that must be considered when managing glucose levels.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is another immediate complication of type 1 diabetes that can occur due to various factors, such as taking too much insulin, missing a meal, or engaging in increased physical activity. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, shakiness, confusion, irritability, and loss of consciousness.
It is important to be prepared for low blood sugars. Be sure to carry fast acting glucose. Here are some ideas for fast acting sugar to carry with you when your blood sugar drops low.
- Juice or soda
- Fruit candy like Skittles, Starburst and gummy bears
- Glucose/Dextrose tablets
- Fruit
Everyone is different so that means the amount of sugar needed to bring your blood sugar up and into a safer range might vary.