Blood Sugar Monitoring & Adjustment
Diabetic Diet
The importance of monitoring blood sugar for someone with type one diabetes is to manage the disease and avoid the severity of its' associated issues. The results of glucose monitoring can be used to help the diabetic make diet and lifestyle choices. Because someone with type one diabetes cannot produce insulin from the pancreas, their blood glucose levels are consequently higher. The most common way to check glucose levels involves pricking a fingertip with an automatic lancing device to obtain a blood sample and then using a glucose meter to measure the blood sample's glucose level. A continuous glucose monitoring system can also be used to track glucose levels in the blood. This system uses a tiny sensor inserted below the surface of the skin to check glucose levels in tissue fluid. The systems transmitter reads the results of the sensor and sends it to the outer part of the device, beeping it like a pager. Blood samples can then be compared to the result of the device to program it. Someone with type one diabetes would want to check their blood glucose levels after a big meal, like Thanksgiving dinner, because they have most likely consumed an excess of their recommended daily values. Because of this, their blood sugar has probably become elevated, and will then need to inject themselves with insulin.
Biomedical Professionals
- Use of meal planning (calorie counting, food journal, etc.)
- Food balanced w/ insulin and oral medication
- Limited in simple carbohydrates and sugar
- Portion control
- Whole grain
- Less salt and fat
- Complex Carbohydrates and vegetables
- Sample Plan:
- Breakfast: 1 cup fresh fruit, 2 egg whites, 1 cup yogurt
- Snack: 15 almonds
- Lunch: Turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread with mustard, 4 turkey slices and 1tsp mustard, an apple, a string cheese, and a glass of fat-free milk
- Snack: 3 celery sticks and 1Tbs peanut butter
- Dinner: 1 whole chicken breast, 1 cup broccoli, 1 whole wheat dinner roll with 1tsp butter, glass of water
General Background
- Nurse Educator: Educates patient on the specifics of their diabetes and helps coordinate treatment.
- Primary Care Physician: Coordinates care and manages medical objectives of diabetic.
- Endocrinologist: Can help manage diabetes by prescribing insulin and/or medications, offering diet plans and helping to keep a close watch on blood glucose levels. Checks on chemical balance of organs.
- Podiatrist: Because higher levels of blood glucose affect nerve endings and circulation in the feet especially, a foot specialist is essential in caring for diabetes to ensure that the diabetic's feet are healthy and normal. If not, the podiatrist can help set up a medical plan of action.
- Registered Dietitian: Assists diabetic patients in making healthy living choices. Often sets up meal plan or meal journals to help patients stay on track.
- Psychologist/Psychiatrist: Helps those living with diabetes to cope with stress and depression.
- Type 1 diabetes is often referred to as "juvenile" diabetes because it occurs most prominently in children and young adults. Only 5% of those living with diabetes have type one. Type 1 diabetics essentially have high blood glucose levels due to the fact that their pancreas does not produce insulin.
Exercise and Lifestyle
- Daily physical activity helps manage blood glucose levels, cholesterol, blood pressure, and mood
- At least an hour per day - walking, yoga, etc.
- Kids - usually get enough by playing/running around
2.3.1 A Day in the Life: Type 1 Diabetes