Individuals with Type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin, a hormone manufactured by the pancreas. Insulin helps the glucose you receive from food enter your cells to produce energy. Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age and happens when the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. The glucose stays in your blood and cannot reach your cells. As a result, affected individuals must take insulin every day to stay healthy.
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include:
- Excess thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurry vision
- Extreme fatigue
- Extreme hunger
- Weight loss
Tests
A1C Test
The A1C test provides information about a person’s average levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over a three month-period. This blood test is the primary test used for diabetes management and diabetes research. It helps your physician adjust treatment plans to improve how you feel every day and help prevent future complications.
Blood Glucose Test
This test may be used to detect high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) and low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). It is also used to monitor glucose levels in individuals diagnosed with diabetes and to help diagnose diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. A blood glucose test can screen for diabetes in people who are at risk before signs and symptoms are apparent.
Daily Monitoring of Blood Glucose Levels
People with Type 1 diabetes need to monitor blood glucose levels multiple times each day. This is commonly done with a small, portable device called a blood glucose meter. The meter, or monitor, quickly displays your blood glucose level. This helps you to know how food, activity, and medicine are affecting your blood glucose levels and that they aren't too high or too low. Our specialists can advise you on when and how often to check your blood glucose.
Treatments
Blood Glucose Control
With Type 1 diabetes, your pancreas is no longer capable of producing insulin. As a result, you will need to monitor your blood glucose levels and administer insulin on a regular basis through daily injections with an insulin pen or syringe, or through an insulin pump.
Exercise
Exercise is a key factor in proper diabetes care and being active will help keep your blood glucose levels stable. We will share ideas to keep you motivated and get fit.
Insulin Management
Our diabetes experts can help determine which products and delivery systems will work best for you to monitor your blood glucose levels and correctly administer your insulin.
Proper Nutrition
Because proper nutrition is so critical in managing your Type 1 diabetes, we’ll teach you how different foods affect your blood glucose levels and how to develop appropriate meal plans to meet your needs.
Support
It’s important for people living with and affected by diabetes to find not just physical, but also emotional support from their health care team, family, and caregivers. We offer several programs to help meet the need for support.
Why Choose UHealth?
Personalized care to improve blood sugar management. Every individual diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes is unique, which means every treatment plan is unique to each person. Our multidisciplinary team helps you manage blood glucose control, insulin, proper nutrition, exercise, and assists with professional, family, and caregiver support.
Comprehensive diabetes care. At the Comprehensive Diabetes Center, you have access to a variety of specialists. That means you can see several providers in a single, convenient visit. And, it allows your providers to work together as a well-integrated team. Your patient navigator will assist you in coordinating care and scheduling visits based on your needs.
Practical, up-to-date resources to enhance quality of life. As part of the Diabetes Research Institute, our team of specialists is at the forefront of the latest breakthroughs in research and treatment of diabetes and endocrine disorders. Sharing the most current medical therapies and research findings, we help you and your family make healthy lifestyle choices.