Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious disease. It is an incurable and complex disease that can cause life-threatening complications if strict lifestyle changes are not made upon diagnosis.

There are two forms of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Each has its own characteristics however both can cause devastation if not treated properly.

Type 1 Diabetes is most often diagnosed in children. It was commonly referred to as 'Juvenile Diabetes' Type 1 Diabetes is when the body fails to produce the insulin that is needed to turn sugar and starches into the energy that the body needs to keep itself going.

A diagnosis of Diabetes is serious, however it is not the end of the world. It can be a very frightening experience, however, discussing the best way to treat it is to learn everything you can about the disease. There are conditions and complications that Type 1 Diabetes can cause. Knowledge is the key to your health and happiness.

• Hyperglycemia - High blood glucose
• Hypoglycemia - Low blood glucose
• Ketoacidosis - Failure to regulate Ketone production
• Celiac disease - a digestive disease that wreaks havoc on the small intestine and prevent the body from absorbing the nutrients it needs from food.
• Heart disease - can cause death if left untreated
• Retinopathy - blindness if left untreated
• Neuropathy - severe nerve damage if left untreated
• Nephropathy - kidney damage or failure if left untreated

These conditions are serious, and can have devastating effects on your body. It is critical that you learn all that you can as soon as possible. Consult with your physician, he or she may be able to recommend different ways to adjust to living with Type 1 Diabetes.

It is critically important that you take care of yourself. It will be necessary to initiate lifestyle changes that may be difficult to adjust to, however it is imperative to your health that you make these changes.

The one thing that will need to be controlled is your diet. You will need to learn what you can and cannot eat. Having Diabetes is not a death sentence, you will need to re-think and adjust to a different lifestyle.

Consulting a nutritionist who specializes in menu plans for those with Diabetes can show you that just because you have this disease does not mean you have to give up on tasty food. He or she will give you menu options that are good, fun and nutritious.

There are many different changes your body will go through when you are diagnosed with Diabetes. Skin, eyes, feet and oral hygiene will take on a whole new meaning when you are diagnosed. You will need to pay special attention to each area to avoid any complications that may arise.

It is also critically important that you do not drink alcohol when you are diagnosed. It can raise your blood sugar to dangerous levels. If you are going to be at a function where alcohol is being served it is critically important that you monitor your blood sugar level carefully before taking a drink.

Controlling your Diabetes and taking insulin shots is manageable as long as you are aware of what the danger signs are. Many Type 1 who recognize the warning signs of Hypoglycemia keep a piece of candy in their pockets for when they feel an attack coming on. The small amount of sugar in the candy can help restore their sugar level.

Learning all you can about Type 1 Diabetes will insure your health and well being.