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Archived Article From June 2007

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 affects 5-10% of all people with diabetes. Typically, it is diagnosed at an early age, usually less than 30 years old, but more individuals over age 30 are now also being diagnosed.

Type 1 diabetes is a process, where your body works against itself and destroys the cells which make insulin. Blood sugar rises and people become dependent on getting insulin another way, usually by shots. People with type 1 diabetes take insulin by shots, insulin pump, or inhaled insulin.

Everyone needs insulin 24 hours a day so our brain, muscles, and all cells in our body can function. When food is eaten, most of it is turned to sugar. That sugar goes to our blood and gets taken to our muscles, brain, organs and everywhere we need it to provide energy to our cells. Insulin, a hormone, is the key that opens the door to our cells to let sugar in. Without insulin, the door will not open, and sugar can not be used for energy.

The symptoms of Type 1 are thirst with frequent urination, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and hunger! This may be sudden or gradual over a short period of time (weeks to months). Sometimes the symptoms of diabetes are triggered after having a recent cold or flu. So if you or your child has had a recent illness, and now shows any signs listed above, go to your doctor and have a simple blood sugar test.

Upon diagnosis, the blood sugar is very high between 300-1100. This is dangerous and insulin is required to prevent very serious complications.

Insulin shots are given just under the skin using tiny needles. Insulin pumps are becoming increasingly popular, and are usually covered by insurance.

If you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the list below includes a common testing schedule. This is a great way for you to take control of your diabetes and open the door to talk with your healthcare provider.

1.  Physician follow-up every 3 months
   Keep up-to-date on blood sugar management, test, immunizations, etc. in order to stay healthy.
2. A1C blood test every 3 months
3. Dental cleaning every 6 months.
   Gum disease is more common with diabetes.
4. Dilated eye exams once per year.
5. Cholesterol and blood lipid tests once per year.
   People with diabetes have an increased risk for heart disease.
6. Thyroid function tests once per year.
   People with Type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of thyroid problems.
7. Micro albumin in urine test once per year
   This looks at kidney function.
8. Immunizations:
   Make sure all childhood immunizations are up to date and done on time. Additionally, an annual flu shot (in the Fall) is important.
9. Education:
   Education is essential to help you live well with your diabetes. A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), Registered Dietitian, Physician, Psychologist and Pharmacist can be key players on your team. Working with your health care team is necessary to make sure you have the right tools to manage your diabetes throughout your lifetime!
   

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Eating Well & Recipes June 2007

Be sure to check out Eating Well & Recipes.

Beating the Snack Attack

Snacking is a way of life to many of us. If you can snack smart, it can mean the difference between adding more nutrients to your diet and gaining those extra pounds you never wanted. Healthy snacks can be a part of the daily food choices, even for those with diabetes. An important rule is to snack because you are hungry. Think carefully when you decide to have a snack and try to plan them throughout the day. Try not to snack because you are stressed out, bored, angry, or just to eat.
Snacks are not the same as a meal, and should be just a small portion of something healthy to eat. Adding fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy foods or fiber- rich grains are a better choice than those chips, cookies or other high calorie treats. Be sure to match those snack-calories to your activity level too!

Here are a few healthy snack ideas! Try something new- you may discover a new food that “fits” into your day!

At home:

At work:

In the car or on the go:

Apple Cinnamon Quesadillas

Spiced Yogurt Dipping Sauce (recipe follows)
1 medium apple, cored and chopped
¾ cup no-sugar added applesauce
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
4 whole wheat tortillas
¼ cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
Nonstick cooking spray

1. Prepare Spiced Yogurt Dipping Sauce. Set aside.
2. Combine apple, applesauce & cinnamon in small bowl; mix well.
3. Spoon half of apple mixture onto tortilla; sprinkle with half of cheese. Top with another tortilla. Repeat with remaining tortillas and apple mixture.
4. Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Cook quesadillas, one at a time, about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
5. Cut each quesadilla into 4 wedges. Serve with Spiced Yogurt Dipping Sauce.
(Makes 4 servings)
Spiced Yogurt Dipping Sauce

½ cup vanilla low-fat yogurt
2 tablespoons no-sugar-added applesauce
dash ground cinnamon
Combine yogurt, applesauce and cinnamon in small bowl; mix well. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Nutrition Information per Serving
Calories- 181
Total fat- 4 grams
Carbohydrates- 31 grams
Cholesterol- 6 mg.
Fiber- 2 grams
 

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