Understanding Understanding Type 1 DiabetesType 1 Diabetes

What is Diabetes?What is Diabetes?• A condition in which your body is no

longer able to produce insulin and properly absorb sugar (glucose) from the blood.

• In order to use the sugar in the food that you eat you must take insulin from a needle, pen, or pump.

How did I get Diabetes?How did I get Diabetes?• The exact causes of Type One are

not certain. • Your immune system mistakenly

attacked and destroyed the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin.

The PancreasThe Pancreas• The organ in your body that

produces insulin.

Insulin and Carbohydrates Insulin and Carbohydrates Work as a Team.Work as a Team.

• Insulin acts as the key that unlocks your cells allowing glucose to enter.

• In Type One Diabetes your body no longer makes insulin therefore after eating your blood sugar remains high but you are not receiving any energy

• Without insulin glucose cannot enter the cell.

What are Carbohydrates?What are Carbohydrates?• Your body’s major

source of energy• Blood Glucose-the

sugar that circulates within your bloodstream that provides energy to your body

• Starches/bread, fruit, dairy, vegetables

Why Count Carbohydrates?Why Count Carbohydrates?• They are the nutrients in food that

most affect your blood sugar levels.• The amount of insulin that you take

depends on the amount of carbohydrates that you eat.

Identifying CarbohydratesIdentifying Carbohydrates• Starches- bread, cereal, rice, pasta,

bagels, muffins, etc.• Vegetables- Carrots, squash, corn, lettuce,

tomatoes, etc• Fruit- Melon, berries, oranges, apples,

banana, peaches, etc.• Dairy- Milk and yogurt• Beans- black beans, kidney beans, baked

beans, etc. • Others- Jelly, honey, pudding, cookies,

cakes, etc.

Healthy EatingHealthy Eating• There are no bad

foods• Moderation• Colors• Variety• Balance• Portions• Pay attention to how

certain foods affect your blood sugar

ExerciseExercise• When you exercise your body’s sensitivity to

insulin increases. • This means that less insulin is needed to handle

the carbohydrates that you consume. • Remember to check your blood sugar levels

before exercising• Keep hydrated!