Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease affecting millions of American adults and children. It develops when the body does not produce enough insulin, the hormone which regulates blood glucose levels. In primary care settings, providers deliver the assessments, treatments and education patients need to manage type 1 diabetes and live well with diabetes. Here is your guide to managing this serious chronic condition.
What Is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an ongoing health problem. The body’s very own immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. Blood glucose (sugar) levels rise to dangerous levels, sometimes causing immediate dire symptoms and serious long-term complications.
As a result, people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily. Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or early adulthood, but it can occur at any age. Sadly, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Accordingly, treatment involves careful symptom management, including maintaining blood sugar within a healthy range.
What Are the Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes?
The most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:
- Extreme thirst and frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Nerve dysfunction in the extremities and other areas of the body (neuropathy)
If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, talk to your primary care provider for a plan to manage your symptoms. That way, you can prevent serious complications, such as vision loss and heart and kidney disease.
Managing Type 1 Diabetes in Primary Care
Your primary care provider is your best ally in the management of type 1 diabetes. At Diabetes and Weight Loss Center in Oviedo, FL, we specialize in care plans which identify a patient’s diabetes risk factors and show him or her ways to attain and keep healthy blood sugar levels.
We also emphasize the role blood pressure, weight, activity level, diet and blood cholesterol play in diabetes control. However, no one is expected to make this journey toward optimal wellness alone. So, our providers deliver the following treatment options, fully customized to health needs and goals unique to each individual.
Medications For Type 1 Diabetes
Unless insulin is administered correctly and in the right dose, a Type 1 diabetic may develop problems such as retinopathy (in the eyes), neuropathy (nerve dysfunction) and nephropathy (kidney damage). Despite medication advancements, no one drug helps every diabetic manage blood sugar levels effectively. Our primary care providers understand the importance of finding the right medication regimen. Treatment may include daily insulin injections and other medications.
Dietary Changes for Type 1 Diabetes
Managing diet helps keep blood sugar levels within normal range. Our diabetes expert, Adriel Perez, APRN, FNP-C, will guide you on making healthy food choices and creating nourishing meal plans.
Your meal plans will balance your intake of carbohydrates (sugar), proteins and fats. You will learn the importance of portion control, proper nutrients and regular mealtimes. Adriel Perez offers detailed nutritional counseling which gives patients confidence in menu planning which is both healthy and appealing.
Exercise and Type 1 Diabetes
Regular physical activity stabilizes blood sugar levels and improves overall health, mood and more. Our provider recommends exercise plans which fit both lifestyle and medical needs. He also discusses how to manage blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise.
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
Frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels helps individuals with Type 1 diabetes know what to eat, how much to exercise and even how much insulin they need. Adriel Perez will educate you on how to use continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, interpret the data they generate and make necessary adjustments to medications, exercise and food.
We also show how to administer insulin injections and manage any potential side effects, such as hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Our nurse practitioner instructs individuals on how to use their insulin pumps. Insulin pumps deliver regular insulin doses throughout the day, as well as larger doses of insulin to cover meals and snacks.
Amazingly, CGMs and insulin pumps can be synchronized to communicate with each other. Insulin doses can be automatically adjusted based on blood sugar levels, allowing for tighter glucose control and reducing the risk of dangerous highs or lows.
Type 1 Diabetes Treatment Near Me
At Diabetes & Weight Loss Center, we are dedicated to comprehensive diabetes care which takes the guesswork out of managing this chronic health condition. Nurse Practitioner Adriel Perez believes in holistic diabetes management which is evidence-based and individualized.
We know we can help you or a loved one have great therapeutic outcomes. So, if you need treatment for diabetes in Oviedo, FL, call us at (407) 890-1876 for an in-depth consultation with our friendly primary care provider, Adriel Perez, APRN, FNP-C. Additionally, you can request your visit here. We would be honored to speak with you soon.
