Managing Type 1 Diabetes

“1.6 million Americans are living with type 1 diabetes”

(Type 1 Diabetes Facts).

Goals:

• Explain that unlike type 2 diabetes there are no risk factors, preventative measures, or
cures for type 1 diabetes.

• Educate patients on the need for life-long 24/7 management of blood sugar due to the
chronic, uncurable nature of the autoimmune disease, and potential complications.

• Discuss ways to plan for how things like exercise, food/diet, illness, and pregnancy may
affect blood sugar levels.

• Discuss resources available to help patients navigate health insurance, and plan for
medication coverage in all settings such as school, work, and travel.

Daily management:

• Check blood sugar frequently if not using a continuous glucose monitor.

• Times to check include before meals, exercise, driving, or

bedtime; as well as anytime you’re feeling unwell.

• Administer insulin at regularly scheduled times, as well as when

it is needed to correct high blood sugar levels.

• Keep a log of your blood sugar levels to look for patterns.

• Don’t expect perfection, just aim to keep blood sugar levels in

target range and work with your healthcare team to set and achieve realistic goals.

Complications:

• Monitor for hypoglycemia and eat or drink something high in sugar/carbs to bring blood
sugar up.

• Keep glucagon on hand to be administered via injection or nasal spray in instances of

severe hypoglycemia when the patient is unable to swallow.

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) from insulin deprivation and uncontrolled high blood sugar
levels

• Eye disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage in patients with uncontrolled diabetes
for 15+ years.
 (About Type 1 Diabetes)

Support:

 There are no breaks or vacations from living with diabetes, which makes it important to
maintain self-care, and develop a support system.

 You’re not alone, aside from your care team there is a large community of other people
living with diabetes.

 Seek help and support when needed from friends, family, licensed professionals, and
others within the diabetes community.

 Look for events that may interest you such as walks, runs, golfing, galas, biking, or
support groups.

Resources: 

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, known as JDRF, provides a multitude of information

and resources for patients with type 1 diabetes of all ages. Including:

• Navigating insurance, understanding terminology, and how to choose a plan

• Denial and appeals process
• Applying for prior-authorizations and exceptions
• Information on patient assistance programs to aid in obtaining insulin
• Using your HR department as an advocate when choosing an employer-based plan
 References

Type 1 Diabetes Facts. JDRF. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2022, from https://www.jdrf.org/

About Type 1 Diabetes. T1International. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2022, from
https://www.t1international.com/type-1-diabetes/