Diabetes Management
WRITTEN BY: BT1 Editorial Team
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.MOREHow 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...MOREUnderstanding 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...MOREKetones — 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.MOREDonating 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
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...MOREAll 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...MOREGlucagon
Glucagon raises your blood sugar (treating hypoglycemia) while insulin lowers it (treating hyperglycemia or preventing it when taken before eating).MOREBlood 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...MOREInsulin 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...MOREAll 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...MOREDexcom 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...MOREThe 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...MORET1D 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...MOREHow 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...MOREThe 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!MOREThe 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.MORECGM 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.MOREFinding Peace of Mind
How experience and access to new treatment options gave the Harrisons more flexibility and peace of mind.MORETest 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►
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...MOREThe 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...MOREThe 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...MOREA 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...MOREEmployer’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...MOREThe 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...MOREThe 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...MOREThe 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.MOREThe 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....MOREThe 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.MOREThe 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
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...MORESex 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...MOREAcupuncture 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...MOREHow 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. MOREHow 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...MORECan 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...MORETattoos & 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...MOREThe 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 ...MOREFoot 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...MOREHeart 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).MOREShould 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...MOREGastroparesis 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.MOREType 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. MOREType 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►
T1D & 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...MOREWhat 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.MORENavigating 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 ...MORECaffeine 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...MOREThe 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 ...MOREGlycemic 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...MOREDiabetes 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.MOREAltitude 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
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'...MOREGetting 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...MOREEmployment 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...MORETake 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
Read More
Knowing there are many misconceptions about T1D, a woman set out to improve public education after her brother died from a DKA complication.
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