Diabetes Type 1 – What is It and How Do You Treat It?

What is Diabetes Type 1, is it different to Type 2, what are the reason you get Diabetes Type 1 and how do you treat it?

Diabetes Type 1 is a serious condition that requires constant testing, daily insulin and a healthy diet. Without these steps, you are at risk of developing a wide range of health problems, from heart disease to blindness and kidney failure.

The problem is that your immune system destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin, so you cannot produce it on your own. This leads to high blood sugar levels, or glucose, in the body. Glucose comes from foods like bread, pasta and fruit and is your body’s main energy source. Insulin helps your body use the glucose for energy, so it’s important that you get enough of it.

There are no cures for either type of diabetes, but you can prevent or reduce your chances of getting it by eating well and being physically active. You also need to test your blood sugar regularly with a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and talk to your doctor about the right meal plan for you.

The good news is that there are many advances in diabetes care, including new insulin pumps that allow you to control your blood sugar with a single device. You can also get insulin injections that are nearly painless and a variety of pills to help manage your diabetes. People with diabetes also have to check their blood sugar before and after exercise, and when starting a new activity.

People with Type 1 diabetes are at high risk for foot problems, which can lead to serious infections. If left untreated, these infections can lead to toe, foot or leg removal (amputation). People with type 1 diabetes also have a higher risk of skin and mouth problems such as fungus and gum disease.

Keeping your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible can lower the risk of complications, but it’s not easy. You need to eat a balanced diet and pay attention to food labels and portion sizes. You need to exercise and keep your weight down. You need regular blood sugar tests to see how well your treatment plan is working. And you need to talk to your doctor about any issues that come up, like if you have problems with your vision or are worried about nerve damage in the feet and legs.

The best way to treat diabetes is to follow a healthful meal plan, exercise regularly and take your medicine as directed. Your doctor may also recommend regular urinalysis (a test that looks at the visual, chemical and microscopic aspects of your urine) and an arterial blood gas (ABG) test, which measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. People with diabetes can also benefit from an education program, which teaches them how to do self-care and manage their condition.

Should you wish to discuss your condition with an experienced Australian trained Doctor or expert in this area. Please book in for an online and Telehealth consultation. Phenix Health is always available when you need us 24/7. Contact bookings@phenixhealth.com.au