How To Live A Healthy Life When Having Type 1 Diabetes
Written by: Dhairya Udeshi, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
There are 2 forms of Diabetes, one is Type 1, and the other is Type 2 Diabetes. The difference between the two is that Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune reaction in which the body attacks the cells of the pancreas which produce insulin. This is mainly a hereditary condition caused by inherited genetics and has nothing to do with lifestyle problems. In these cases, the pancreas produces no insulin at all, and people are dependent to take insulin injections. These could range from one shot to five shots a day. It mainly happens to children at their young age and a few adult population also has it.
On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is caused by lifestyle problems and genetics. In such
cases, the pancreas produces some minimum amount of insulin. Hence, the patients rely on
tablets instead of injections.
Type 1 diabetic cases are on the rise in the last 10 years and the reason is unknown. Kids and
parents are worried that taking insulin shots will add to many other complications at a very
young age itself. But let’s look at the ways we can live with it to avoid all potential complications that come along with it.
Type 1 Diabetes, if managed well, will help a person live the same way as a person who
doesn’t have the disease. Three things are important to live a healthier lifestyle:
Diet
Exercise
Sleep
Dosage
In terms of diet, diabetics need to avoid any forms of sources of outside sugar. Such as
chocolates, Ice cream, sweets, Candies, sugar in food, and Jam. They can have it once or
twice a month but in very moderate quantity and that too only one of the above things. The
type of food that they need to have are foods which contain natural god gifted sugar such as
Fruits, Vegetables, and Sweet potato. Less to no fried food is best suited to maintain the
cholesterol level in the body and main preference should be grilled foods.
With this, the sugar levels won’t shoot up and the energy the body needs will remain at least for the next 4 to 5 hours. Patients also need to make sure that they should not have over two fruits at a time, as this would spike their blood sugar levels. It is important to have all the meals at the right time with the right quantity. Avoid foods such as red meat, as these are high in cholesterol and affect the heart.
In terms of exercising, type 1 diabetes patients can work out as normally as a nondiabetic. At
first, they first consult with their doctor their bodies are ready to exercise after being diagnosed with the disease. They can start off with light workouts such as walk and gentle
run for 20 to 30 minutes a day. Once they feel that the body is adapting well, they can join a
gym if they are above 15 years of age and work with a personal trainer who would guide
them about the exercises in terms of form and intensity. They can start off with lightweight
training at light to moderate intensity and, as they keep getting better in terms of strength and
stamina, they can then increase the intensity. Children under the age of 15 can do exercises such as Pushups, Squats, lunges, plank, running, and cycling. All exercises to be done in the
same way as mentioned above. It will also be better if kids have a Personal trainer for outdoor
workouts. It is important to check your blood sugar levels before workout and after workout.
This needs to be reported to the doctor during your monthly visit as he/she would know if
there any changes in dosage required. Patients must also inform their trainers regarding the
same as the trainer would know what intensity he has to make the client workout at. All
Diabetics must carry a chocolate or energy bar along with them during workout so that in
case the blood sugar goes low, then they could eat the bar in order to increase the blood sugar level.
Drinking at least 3 to 3.5 litres of water is a must for all diabetic patients, as this would help
keep their kidneys and other organs hydrated.
Sleep is a very important criterion. Our body metabolism functions when we are sleeping. If
we sleep less, that is around 4 to 5 hours, then our metabolism slows down with which we
would feel tired and gain weight as the insulin resistance decreases. With this, our sugar
levels rises. Hence, it is important to have a good night’s sleep of 7 to 8 hours. With this, the
metabolism will be in check and the blood sugar levels would be normal.
For dosage, it is very important to take the exact dosage or units of insulin prescribed by the
doctor. Anything more or less than have serious repercussions on the body. For this, every
patient must check their blood sugar levels at least twice a day as in type 1 diabetes there can
be a lot of fluctuations in the blood sugar levels. If doses are being taken less than prescribed
by the doctor, then this would increase the blood sugar levels and if the dosage taken is more
than the prescribed, then this would lower the blood sugar levels which would cause dizziness, loss of conscious, sweating, and increased heart rate. If blood sugar levels show less in the reading, which is below 80mg/dl, then the doctor would advise you to take a few units less than normal and if the sugar readings are more than 250mg/dl, then the doctor would advise you to take 1 or 2 units higher off that dosage.
I hope that the above article was helpful for the readers and there was sufficient knowledge
gained from it. If you would like further consultation, then don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Dhairya Udeshi, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dhairya Udeshi is the Executive Director of Shape Up LLC, UAE. His company focuses on providing Personal and Group Fitness training services either in the Gym, Outdoors, or Online training using a video call service. It depends on the client's preference. Dhairya's idea has always been to provide clients with many flexible options and make it easier for them to choose their preferences.
Dhairya's aim has always been to build a big network of clients and potential clients as his mission is to help more and more people stay fit and healthy. This is why he implements the strategy of charging 20-30% lesser than the market rate and providing clients with even better services with more flexible options for places to work out.
With 8+ years of Experience in Health and Fitness, Dhairya has trained over 500 clients with all kinds of Health and Fitness challenges such as Running a marathon, Playing at the national level, Heart issues, Disc injuries, Spasms, Arthritis (Both Rheumatoid and Osteo), Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Depression and Anxiety.
Dhairya is also a Life Coach, and he takes care of the mental health of his clients along with their physical well-being. With his belief that he instills to the world that Mental well-being is as or more important than Physical well being his Clients are more than willing to take up Coaching sessions along with Fitness training sessions in order to focus on their all-around development. Very few kinds of companies provide this kind of service.
