Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which your body does not produce insulin. Insulin is necessary for fuel (glucose) to enter the body’s cells and be used for energy. If there is no insulin available, glucose can’t enter the cells to be used for energy and blood glucose rises. In the United States, type 1 diabetes comprises 5-10% of adult diabetes diagnoses. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, but can occur later in life.

What causes type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body attacks itself. In this case the insulin producing cells of the pancreas are attacked and destroyed. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. It may be caused by a combination of factors, such as genetic abnormalities and environmental influences.

What is the treatment for type 1 diabetes?

Insulin is the main treatment for type 1 diabetes; however, healthy meal planning, physical activity, and blood glucose monitoring are also important in proper diabetes management.

Insulin therapy

There are many different types of insulin available, such as rapid, short, long and intermediate acting.

Insulin can be delivered through multiple daily injections or through an insulin pump.

To find out more about insulin and insulin delivery methods visit http://forecast.diabetes.org/magazine/resource-guide/2009-resource-guide

Physical activity

The American Diabetes Association recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic activity on most days of the week and strength training 2-3 times per week. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting any activity program.

Fit4D certified personal trainers, certified diabetes educators and exercise physiologists can help develop an exercise program that is realistic, fun and right for you

Healthy meal planning

Matching insulin to the food you eat can be very helpful in managing your blood glucose levels.
Fit4D Coaches are experts-- registered dietitians specializing in diabetes who can develop a meal plan that is personalized, safe, effective and practical in your life.

Blood glucose monitoring

Regular blood glucose monitoring can help you stay in your target range.

How can Fit4D help me manage my type 1 diabetes?
 

Fit4D Coaches are specialists in diabetes management. The coaches can help by:

• Interpreting blood glucose patterns.
• Motivating, inspiring and coaching you through the day to day self care behaviors important in managing diabetes.
• Developing a personalized, effective and realistic nutrition and exercise plan.

Andrea Conner MPH, RD, CDE, CFT
Fit4D Nutrition and Fitness Coach
 

References

1. American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org).
2. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org).
3. Diabetes Care Coalition (www.diabetesa1c.org).
4. NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) (www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov).
5. Diabetes Care. January 2009, Vol 32 no. Supplement1 S13-61
6. Center for Disease Control. Diabetes Fact Sheet. (www.cdc.gov/diabetes).