Day-To-Day Health Guide for a Person with Type 1 Diabetes

Ian Oldaker
3 min readJul 20, 2021

Type 1 diabetes is more common in children and adolescents, although it can strike anybody at any age. The body’s immune system, which usually fights infection, targets and kills the cells in the pancreas that generate insulin in most people with type 1 diabetes. The pancreas quits producing insulin as a result. Because glucose cannot enter body cells without insulin, the blood glucose levels increase above normal. To stay alive, people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day.

While every day is different, including a few basic ideas into their everyday routine will help them remain on track and manage type 1 diabetes successfully. Staying healthy while dealing with type 1 diabetes can add stress to an already hectic daily schedule. The key to controlling this type of diabetes is to plan. To make life with type 1 diabetes simpler, people with the condition may stick to a regular diabetes routine.

After a person with type 1 diabetes wakes up, they should check their blood sugar as soon as possible. This will give them an indication of their blood sugar levels during the course of the night. If it’s too high or too low, they may adjust it immediately with food or insulin. Also, they may consider keeping a diabetic notebook to track blood sugar readings and other crucial information. This might assist in keeping track of how effectively the condition is managed daily.

To manage type 1 diabetes, it is critical to eat healthily. Starting a day properly with a healthy breakfast that adheres to a diet plan is recommended. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats are generally included in a balanced type 1 diabetic diet. Because the person is on insulin, each meal should include a reasonable amount of healthful carbs. This will keep their blood sugar levels from plummeting too low. Scrambled eggs, porridge with low-fat milk, or a fruit and yogurt parfait are some quick and easy breakfast choices for persons with type 1 diabetes.

They should make a diabetic kit including a glucose monitor, insulin, syringes, and any other supplies and medications needed during busy mornings. If the person has problems remembering to take their prescriptions, they may store them in the bathroom beside their toothbrush in a pillbox. To keep energy and blood sugar levels up, mid-morning snacks may be required. A handful of almonds, a piece of string cheese, or an apple are all healthy snack options for persons with type 1 diabetes.

Before a person with diabetes goes behind the wheel, they should check their blood sugar and never drive if blood sugar is too low. In addition, they should reserve some snacks in their car, especially a glucose source such as juice.

Maintaining a healthy level of activity is crucial to treating type 1 diabetes. It can also help them feel better and lessen stress. For example, going for a jog, taking their dog for a long walk, or dancing are helpful activities. Most days of the week, a person with diabetes should receive 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity. Before and after a workout, they should make sure they check their blood sugar. It is also ideal for taking some glucose along when going to the gym.

The average adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Sleep is especially crucial for people with type 1 diabetes since lack of sleep makes controlling blood sugar more difficult. If a person with type 1 diabetes are experiencing problems sleeping, they should see their doctor. Blood sugar levels that are too high or too low might cause sleep difficulties. A person with diabetes may make it a practice to check blood sugar before bedtime. If blood sugar drops at night, it may be beneficial to eat a snack before bed.

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Ian Oldaker
Ian Oldaker

Written by Ian Oldaker

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Ian Oldaker most recently served as general manager and chief operating officer of Spyscape.

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