HEALTH & BEAUTY
“I still have sleepless nights where Darcey’s monitor alarm goes off and we panic that her levels are too high or too low, but we know how to quickly balance those out now. The technology we’ve been fortunate to receive gives her more flexibility and freedom. She’s a teenage girl so at that age where she wants to blend in with her friends. It just means she’s not worrying about rushing off to the school’s medical room to dose insulin before lunch. It’s so discreet that even her teachers forget she has diabetes sometimes.” With type 2 diabetes seeming to dominate the headlines, the information available publicly for type 1 diabetes can often go under the radar. Confusion over the difference between the two also hinders the public’s perception of people with type 1 diabetes.
‘‘With type 2 diabetes seeming to dominate the headlines, the information available publicly for type 1 diabetes can often go under the radar.’’
technology has changed so much. Having initially had insulin injection various times a day, Darcey now has a tubeless pump which regulates her insulin levels throughout the day. Along with the pump, Darcey has a small CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) device fitted under her skin which constantly records her glucose levels and sends reports to a handheld device which alerts them to high or low levels.
But save for a few passing comments that it’s because she’s eaten too many sweets, Darcey and her family are fortunate not to have experienced unhelpful or thoughtless attitudes. Her maturity means she’s also able to talk about her condition very honestly and help people understand how normal life can be. “Because we were teaching her to be independent and responsible for her condition, I was worried that she’d lose her childhood and have to grow up quickly. But she just amazes me. She’s sensible and calm but also funny and friendly. She takes everything in her stride and just gets on with things without worrying or fretting.
“When she was first diagnosed, Darcey wanted to be a scientist to find a cure for diabetes. She is still very ambitious and would like to go to university to study architecture, and in a few years that may become reality. So, it’s important she knows how to manage her diabetes.”
About Type 1
Diabetes Type 1 diabetes causes the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood to become too high.
This happens because your body cannot produce enough of a hormone called insulin, which controls blood glucose. It is a life-long condition and needs daily insulin injections to keep glucose levels under control.
Type 1 diabetes is not linked with age or being overweight.
Symptoms include: • Feeling very thirsty • Urinating more than usual, particularly at night • Feeling very tired
• Losing weight without trying • Thrush that keeps coming back • Blurred vision
• Cuts and grazes that are not healing Type 1 diabetes symptoms can come on
quickly, particularly in children. See your GP if you have any symptoms or concerns. People with type 1 diabetes must manage their condition in order to prevent their blood sugar levels being too high or low. These are called Hyperglycaemia (too high) and Hypoglycaemia (too low).
Myth Busters
There are a number of myths and misconceptions about type 1 diabetes which can be harmful and lead to an unfair stigma around the condition.
Sugar is banned MYTH! This is one of the most common diabetes myths; that people with the condition have to eat a sugar-free diet. People with diabetes need to eat a diet that is balanced, which can include some sugar in moderation. Whatever they eat, people with type 1 need to regularly measure the glucose levels in their blood and have insulin injections.
Diabetic foods only MYTH! The label ‘diabetic’ is often used on sweet foods but, usually, sugar alcohols, or other sweeteners, will be used instead of sugar. Diabetic food will often still affect blood glucose levels, is expensive, and may also cause adverse side effects such as diarrhoea.
You’ll go blind and lose your legs MYTH!
While diabetes is a leading cause of blindness and also causes many amputations each year, those who control their blood pressure, glucose, weight and quit smoking all increase their chances of remaining complication free.
It’s not safe to drive MYTH! This ongoing myth is based around an inaccurate generalisation. The main danger of driving for people with diabetes is if hypoglycaemia occurs, yet statistics show that diabetics are no less safe on the road than anyone else.
You shouldn’t play sport MYTH! People with diabetes should take part in exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some factors need considering before partaking in sport, such as ensuring blood glucose levels are stable before and during exercise. A snack may be needed if levels dip.
Hypos come on fast and can happen if meals are delayed or didn’t include enough carbohydrates, lots of exercise is done without having the right amount of carbs/insulin dose, or alcohol is drunk on an empty stomach. Treatment includes eating or drinking something sugary such as small sweets or a glass of non- diet soda or fruit juice.
The most common signs are: • Sweating
• Being anxious or irritable • Feeling hungry
• Difficulty concentrating • Blurred sight • Trembling and feeling shaky
Very high blood sugar levels are dangerous and can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which can be life-threatening.
This can happen if you’re stressed, unwell, less active or don’t have enough insulin for the amount of carbs eaten. Infections and drinking too much alcohol are common triggers for DKA.
More information and support for children with type 1 diabetes can be found here:
www.jdrf.org.uk www.digibete.org
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