Sugar, Pumpkin Spice and Everything Type 1 Diabetes

As we continue observing Diabetes Awareness Month and working to educate the community, it's important to highlight the different types of diabetes. In this post, we'll focus on Type 1 diabetes, a lifelong condition that requires careful management. Understanding how it develops, how it’s treated, and its impact on daily life is crucial for supporting those affected. By increasing awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles, and offering support, we can help improve management and make a meaningful difference for those living with Type 1 diabetes.

Let’s dive into the basics:

• Glucose: A fancy word for sugar! This comes from the foods you eat, and your body uses it for energy.

• Insulin: Acts as a messenger that helps guide glucose into your cells.

• Pancreas: This is the organ that makes insulin all on its own.

The Bigger Picture

Normally, when you eat food, your digestive system breaks down the food into glucose and your pancreas sends insulin throughout your body to move the glucose into your cells.

For someone with Type 1 diabetes, their body’s immune system gets confused and attacks the cells in your pancreas. Which causes the pancreas to produce little to no insulin and the glucose stays in your bloodstream instead of entering your cells. A buildup of glucose in the bloodstream is what causes your blood sugar to rise and rise.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

These symptoms can appear suddenly and can vary from person to person.

• Urinating often

• Feeling very thirsty

• Feeling very hungry—even after eating

• Extreme fatigue or tiredness

• Blurry vision

• Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal

• Weight loss—even if you're eating more than usual

It is important to check up with a doctor if you experience one or more symptoms over a period of time.

What Complications Can Arise? 

If blood sugar levels aren't controlled, it can lead to serious health complications such as:

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

  DKA is a life-threatening condition that can develop if your body doesn't have enough insulin. Without insulin, your cells can't use glucose for energy, so your liver starts breaking down fat for fuel. This process produces chemicals called ketones, which can build up in the blood and cause dangerous acid levels. Symptoms of DKA include nausea, vomiting, fruity-smelling breath, and confusion. It’s important to get medical help right away if you experience these symptoms.

Managing Type 1 Diabetes

Managing this condition can be an ongoing process but is completely manageable, here’s how:

• Monitoring Blood Sugar: Checking blood sugar levels regularly is essential to make sure they stay in a healthy range.

• Insulin Therapy: People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin through injections or an insulin pump because their body can't produce it.

• Diet and Exercise: Eating healthy foods and staying active help keep blood sugar levels stable.

• Avoiding Low Blood Sugar: Knowing the signs of low blood sugar and carrying fast-acting sugar (like juice or glucose tablets) can help you prevent or treat it.

  
  

Support and Resources

Living with Type 1 diabetes can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Here are some ways to get support:

• At Home: Family members and caregivers should learn about the condition and how to help manage it.

• At School: Children with Type 1 diabetes need support at school. Teachers and school nurses should be informed about the condition and how to handle emergencies.

• At Work: If you have Type 1 diabetes as an adult, make sure your workplace is aware of the condition so they can provide accommodation if needed.

• Doctors and Diabetes Educators: Your healthcare team is essential in managing Type 1 diabetes. Regular check-ups with your doctor, as well as visits with a dietitian or diabetes educator, can help you stay on track.

  
  

At Jemez Public Health we want to provide you with the education and resources needed to help manage and support those who are living with Type 1 Diabetes. Having a clear understanding of symptoms and management techniques can help individuals stay healthy and prevent complications.

For more information, contact the Jemez Public Health office at (575) 834 – 7207 and speak with Diabetes liaisons: Felipita Loretto, Anita Toya, or Sheila Toya.