Diabetes Management


 2017-12-04

What is diabetes management?

Diabetes management is about how lifestyle, daily routine and technology can affect blood glucose levels of someone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Keeping blood glucose levels in range greatly improves the health of someone with diabetes and prevents long-term complications or short-term risks that come with blood sugars out of range.

Diabetes can affect every part of the body and blood sugar control is dependent on many varying factors such as environment, stress and hormones. There is no one formula that works for everyone and so through trial and error, along with the application of new technology, those with type 1 can have improved diabetes management.

Learn the many devices and tools available today for people with diabetes. Become well-versed in the basics of diabetes care that includes how to administer insulin and what is an A1C test. Discover what affects your blood sugar control on a daily basis, how to better manage and teach others about what having type 1 is really like.

When it comes to diabetes management there’s a lot to consider in terms of equipment. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the varying gadgets and manufacturers; it’s time consuming to keep up with the newest technology and medical advancements. Beyond Type 1 is searching out what tools are available and asking what people think of them—we have guides and feedback from other type 1s that will help you make more informed decisions in your care. We’re also talking to the leading developers of cutting-edge equipment and platforms that make the day-to-day management of this disease easier and more efficient. We’re looking forward to the ground-breaking innovators in science to learn about the possibilities of a cure. Here’s the pulse on the biotech world and what it means for type 1.

The Basics


What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?


Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication from diabetes that can be serious and life-threatening. DKA is often a common factor when first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.MORE

How to Give Yourself an Insulin Injection


For those with diabetes who must inject insulin, here is a quick reference guide with video.MORE

How to Test Blood Sugar


This is a practical step-by-step guide for how to test blood sugar. Share it with your family or friends who might be testing your child's blood for the first time, or use it as a guide for yours...MORE

Understanding Your A1C


The A1C is a blood test that helps determine if your diabetes management plan is working well. (Both type 1 and type 2 take this test.) It’s done every 2-3 months to find out what your average bloo...MORE

Guide On How to Give an Insulin Injection


Use this step-by-step guide with instructional video to give yourself or a loved one an insulin injection.MORE

Ketones — The 6 Must-Knows


Ketones are chemicals that build up when your body starts to burn fat for energy. The most common cause of ketones in diabetics is insulin deficiency.MORE

What to Expect During a Hospital Stay with Type 1 Diabetes


Preparing for a hospital stay can be overwhelming for anyone. Preparing for a hospital stay and having type 1 brings up so many more questions such as blood sugar control and insulin levels. MORE

Hypoglycemia and How to Treat It


If you take insulin to manage your diabetes, learning how to prevent or safely manage hypoglycemia is a must!MORE

Hyperglycemia and How to Treat It


Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, occurs when glucose is trapped in the bloodstream due to lack of insulin.MORE

Clinical Trials and the Type 1 Diabetes Cure


Genetic risk and environmental factors are part of the cure for type 1 diabetes conversation. Learn about clinical trials and risk factors.MORE

Donating Blood With Type 1 Diabetes


Many are under the assumption that a diagnosis means they can’t donate. Wrong. While it depends on where in the world you live, where your blood sugar levels are, and what type of insulin you take, ...MORE

Understanding the Honeymoon Phase in Type 1 Diabetes


The Honeymoon Phase, or “Honeymoon Period,” which can last for as long as a year, occurs when the body makes a partial recovery from its autoimmune attack. MORE

Open Enrollment Guide: Health Insurance Plan Types


As we launch into another open enrollment season for both Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans and Medicare, Beyond Type 1 is here to help you navigate the glut of overwhelming options.MORE

Guide: How to find LGBTQ-affirming healthcare


If you want to make your healthcare team more gender-affirming and LGBTQ-friendly, consider these resources.MORE

Diabetes Holiday Gift Guide


Looking for a gift for a loved one with diabetes? Our 2022 holiday guide is here to help!MORE

Insulin + Equipment


Daily Diabetes Care Kit


The type 1 diabetes (T1D) Daily Kit is full of the everyday supplies that you need living day-to-day with type 1 diabetes. For emergency care tips, check out the Natural Disaster Emergency Kit. Your d...MORE

All About Insulin


Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood, effectively turning food into fuel for the body. A person is diagnosed with diabetes once the body is n...MORE
glucagon

Glucagon


Glucagon raises your blood sugar (treating hypoglycemia) while insulin lowers it (treating hyperglycemia or preventing it when taken before eating).MORE

Blood Glucose Meter Rundown


And we all know what we need to do: know our numbers and keep them in safe ranges. In order to accomplish this, we depend on the blood glucose meter, which measures and displays the amount of sugar (g...MORE

Insulin Pump Rundown


Choosing an insulin pump doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. Should you go with a more traditional pump where you can monitor your insulin levels directly? Are you looking for a model that w...MORE
CGM: continuous glucose monitor

CGM: Continuous Glucose Monitor


A continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) is a small wearable device that tracks your glucose levels in real-time throughout the day and night.MORE

All About Diabetic Alert Dogs


You've heard of them, those super hero dogs who are helping detect blood sugar changes in their diabetic owners. Perhaps you've even seen them in action. Before you add in that canine compan...MORE

Dexcom SHARE


Over the past few years, Dexcom has been making it simpler than ever to closely monitor your blood glucose levels and trends. One helpful feature that is now available with your Dexcom technology is t...MORE

Why You Might Switch From An Insulin Pump Back to Shots?


There are a number of reasons why switching from your insulin pump back to shots (MDI), using insulin pens or syringes, is sometimes necessary.MORE

The Evolution of T1D Technology


Considering how quickly Type 1 diabetes technology has been advancing over the recent years, it is very easy to get comfortable with those tools available to us today. There isn’t much of a reason t...MORE

T1D Device Malfunctions and What to Do


As much as we try to “live in the moment,” the fact remains that technology is not perfect, so we need to take a little extra time to plan and anticipate what might go wrong so that we can stay he...MORE

Mini-dosing of Glucagon in Everyday Diabetes Management


If the pancreas of someone without Type 1 uses glucagon naturally to help maintain stability of blood sugars, can people with Type 1 also benefit from using glucagon in non-emergency situations? What ...MORE

How Do I Safely Get Rid of My Sharps?


People with type 1 encounter sharps every day, and precautions for disposing of sharps don’t just apply to the diabetes world.MORE

How to Give an Insulin Pen Injection


Injections can seem intimidating at first, but practice makes perfect. Whether you are learning to inject for the first time using a pen or you’re already an accomplished injector via syringe, there...MORE

The Medical ID Guide


If the situation ever arises, wearing a medical ID can make sure that you receive the attention and care you need in the event of an emergency. Consider these medical ID options!MORE

The Guide to DIY Looping


It’s important to follow the directions! Read up on your desired DIY Looping setup before getting started to make sure you don’t miss out on any key info.MORE

CGM Access for Veterans


Educating and raising awareness of CGM among veterans with diabetes who access care via the VA, arming them with the information they need for better diabetes management.MORE

Finding Peace of Mind


How experience and access to new treatment options gave the Harrisons more flexibility and peace of mind.MORE

Test Strip Subscription Guide


We compiled a rundown of popular companies that offer test strip subscription services and researched each of them to give you some important info.MORE

Teaching Type 1 to Others


The Boyfriend/Girlfriend Guide to Caring for Someone with Type 1


Congratulations! You're dating someone amazing, funny, beautiful and strong, who also has type 1. Here are tips that can help.MORE

The Friends & Family Guide to Type 1 Diabetes


Maybe it's the friend's child next door or a member in the family who has type 1 diabetes. Perhaps you'll be in charge of care at some point or are simply interested in learning more ab...MORE

A Coach’s Guide to Type 1 Diabetes


As a coach, you want to push each member of your team. Don’t see type 1 as a roadblock; see type 1 as a challenge that your athlete takes on everyday. Here is what you should know about type 1 diabe...MORE

The Grandparent’s Guide to T1D


The greatest gift that a grandparent can give to their type 1 grandchild is support. Support can come from a variety of ways. Of course, there is the medical terminology and making sure that you can h...MORE

The T1D Guide for Mental Health Care Providers


If you’re going to be caring for a person with type 1 diabetes with regard to their mental health, there are some important things to know about the various emotional impact of having T1D and the ma...MORE

A Teacher’s Guide to Kids with Type 1 Diabetes


Being a teacher comes with the responsibility of taking care of 20-30 children on a daily basis. In your career, you may have a student with Type 1 diabetes in your class. Although you may feel overwh...MORE

Employer’s Guide to Type 1


Editor’s Note: This content is a part of Beyond Type 1’s guidebook, which includes guides for everyone who has a type 1 in their life. Check out the rest of our customized guides for the different...MORE

The Sibling Guide to Type 1 Diabetes


So what happens when a newly-diagnosed sibling of yours suddenly learns they have Type 1 Diabetes? How can you help? Whether you are a T1D or not, here are 5 simple ways you can help your recently-dia...MORE

The BFF Guide to Type 1 Diabetes


I can do anything other kids can do. I just have to check my blood and bolus (take insulin) if I’m eating. I can ride my bike, play baseball, run, and do all those types of fun activities. Just plea...MORE

The Co-Worker’s Guide to Type 1 Diabetes


Perhaps you will work with someone who has type 1 diabetes, or you are simply interested in learning more. Consider this guide to help you learn the ins and outs of type 1 diabetes in the work force.MORE

The Professor’s Guide to Type 1 Diabetes


Unlike elementary and secondary schools, colleges have no responsibility to identify disabilities. Therefore, it is the student’s job to let his or her school know about a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis....MORE

The RA’s Guide to Type 1 Diabetes


As an RN, here is everything you need to know about your resident with type 1 diabetes and how you can be helpful to their success in college/university.MORE

The Babysitter’s Guide to Type 1 Diabetes


As a babysitter, you need to be prepared for anything that comes your way. When you're babysitting a child with type 1 diabetes, there's an entire extra layer of preparation to consider.MORE

The Guys Guide to Type 1 Diabetes


Let’s talk guy stuff ... and diabetes. This guide is aimed at any dude newly diagnosed with T1D, or any guy just needing to revisit the basics. MORE

Your Body


Birth Control & Type 1 Diabetes


The subject of birth control with relation to type 1 diabetes has always been a tricky subject, with inconsistent results. Hormones have been known to have an impact on blood glucose levels, but hormo...MORE

Sex and Type 1 Diabetes


Sex is a unique form of physical exercise in that most of us usually look forward to doing it. Like any other activity that requires physical exertion, getting it on will most likely affect your blood...MORE

How Medications Can Impact Type 1 Diabetes Management


Being sick stresses the body, and when your body’s stressed it releases blood-glucose raising hormones. These hormones can even prevent insulin from properly lowering your levels. Consider the follo...MORE

Acupuncture and Type 1 Diabetes


The blood sugar lowering effects of acupuncture are believed to be due to the down-regulation of corstisol, a stress hormone that encourages the liver to create glucose, and by decreasing free-fatty a...MORE

How Can Type 1 Diabetes Affect Sleep?


40-50% of people with diabetes complain of poor sleep. At this point we know, medically, that a diabetes diagnosis itself increases the risk of sleep disorders, but the problem doesn’t stop there. MORE

How to Prevent Eye Complications with Diabetes


In 1921, the introduction of insulin revolutionized the treatment of diabetes. Yet, as Eliot P Joslin himself noticed, as patients lived longer, they developed unexpected complications. One of the mos...MORE

Can diabetes affect your hair growth?


Can Type 1 diabetes can affect your hair growth? The answer: yes. On a daily basis, our bodies undergo an enormous amount of physical stress to keep up with our daily life of eating, exercise and emot...MORE

Dental Health and Diabetes: Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums


Everyone wants a winning smile but nobody likes the sound of a dentist’s drill. If you have type 1 diabetes, however, research shows that you may be more predisposed to certain types of gum and teet...MORE

Tattoos & T1D


People with Type 1 diabetes often wonder whether or not getting a tattoo is a safe option for them. We have good news – you can safely get “inked,” but just like anyone else, there is certain pr...MORE

The Truth About Flu Shots


While flu shots are an effective step an individual can take to protect themselves, vaccines are most effective when everyone gets them. By getting vaccinated for the flu, you are protecting not only ...MORE

Foot Complications and Diabetes


Have you checked out your feet today? Your feet go through a lot on a daily basis. As a person with diabetes, you need to pay extra attention to them! Even the smallest of problems could get worse an...MORE

Heart health & T1D


February (and every month) is Heart Month! Heart disease and stroke (CVD) are the leading cause of death both in the US and worldwide, in particular for people with diabetes (PWD).MORE

Should you wear contact lenses with Type 1?


For years the popular rhetoric around diabetes and contact lenses has been pretty limiting. In a nutshell: nope, don’t, can’t do it. But what’s the truth here? Can you safely wear contacts? What...MORE

Gastroparesis and Diabetes


Gastroparesis is a condition in which your stomach muscles' motility is impaired, meaning the muscles are not strong enough to empty the stomach properly.MORE

Type 1 Diabetes and UTIs


While a UTI might typically be something that is easily treated, it can become dangerous for someone with type 1 diabetes. MORE

The Honeymoon Phase in Diabetes


What does "honeymooning" actually mean? Check out our guide to find out!MORE

Type 1 Diabetes and Women’s Health


If you are a woman with type 1 diabetes, it is important to advocate for your own health and be aware of these conditions. If you are a healthcare provider, be sure to screen for the following conditi...MORE

Food

The Five Most Common Party Foods and What It Means for Blood Sugar Management


Here's how some common party foods impact blood sugar management—hint: it's not just about carbs! Learn about fat, protein, and more!MORE
Type 1 Diabetes & Celiac Disease

Type 1 Diabetes & Celiac Disease


10% of the population with Type 1 diabetes also have celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which suffers are unable to eat gluten because it causes their body’s immune system to...MORE

What To Eat


Understanding what you are eating, how much you are eating and knowing how to match your insulin are good basics to come to the table with.MORE

Navigating the BBQ with Diabetes


It's BBQ time. Yet another gathering that revolves around food — and maybe a sprinkler — but don't sweat it. Navigating the BBQ with type 1 diabetes can be as easy as pie. Beyond Type ...MORE

Caffeine and Type 1 Diabetes


Have you ever noticed a difference in your blood sugar after drinking a big cup of coffee or tea? Some studies show that caffeine can indeed have an affect on your blood glucose levels – exaggeratin...MORE

The Gluten-free Diet—Fad or Necessity?


The Gluten-free diet has been on the rise for the past few years and currently about one in five Americans follow it. In my experience, there is still a lot of confusion around this diet, its purpose ...MORE

The Alcohol and Diabetes Guide


Cheers! We're not going to tell you that you can't drink; we will however, give you some general pointers on how to stay safe.MORE

Glycemic Index Diet and Diabetes


The Glycemic Index Diet was designed to help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels. The diet focuses on carbohydrates, with the goal of eating foods that produce a steady rise in blood...MORE

Diabetes and the Paleo Diet


The paleo diet is a way of eating that is meant to mimic the way earliest humans ate. Essentially, those following the paleo diet eat things that our hunter-gatherer ancestors would be able to eat —...MORE

The Elements

Cold Weather and Type 1 Diabetes


Climate and temperature are suspected to affect diabetes at nearly every stage, from a type 1 diagnosis to a typical day in the life of someone who’s had the condition for years.MORE

Altitude and Type 1 Diabetes


As you may already know, travel in general can have a big impact on Type 1 diabetes management. This is typically due to elements such as stress hormones, time change and other shifts in routine that ...MORE
Heat and Diabetes: Why It’s Crucial to Monitor Blood Sugar in Hot Weather

Heat and Diabetes: Why It’s Crucial to Monitor Blood Sugar in Hot Weather


Have you ever noticed your blood sugar either spiking or dropping rapidly in severe temperatures? Many people with Type 1 diabetes run into this issue and have been baffled as to why. Heat may have mu...MORE

Administration

Insurance — Navigating Denials


If your doctor has prescribed it, isn't that enough? In many cases, it isn't and people are faced with denials for life-saving and life-improving equipment. Here is our run down if you'...MORE

Getting Your Driver’s License


Getting your driver’s license is an exciting milestone unlike any — it gives you the freedom and independence to go wherever you want, whenever you want.  You know you’re ready for this respons...MORE

Employment and Type 1 Diabetes


As a person with type 1, you are protected under several laws in the United States from discrimination on the job. It is important to get a clear overview of how you are protected so that you can make...MORE

Take Your Perks with Type 1


Having type 1 diabetes has many downsides, or “lows,” if you will. It is often difficult to look on the bright side of any illness. However, there are certain instances where we get treated to som...MORE

WRITTEN BY BT1 Editorial Team, POSTED 12/04/17, UPDATED 07/20/23

This piece was authored collaboratively by the Beyond Type 1 Editorial Team.