Type 1 Diabetes is a condition in which a person’s body stops making the hormone insulin, which helps the body’s cells to use the sugar that we get from foods for energy. In people without Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas sends out just the right amount of insulin after a meal to help the sugar (glucose) in our blood to be used by our cells. Since the pancreas does not make insulin in people with Type 1 diabetes, they need to get insulin into the bloodstream by injections or insulin pumps.
All of our cells, especially our brain cells, need glucose to survive- so it’s important to have the just the right amount in our bodies. Too much glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia) or too little glucose (hypoglycemia) can lead to complications, including coma and death. People living with Type 1 diabetes must find the right balance between the foods they eat and the insulin they take in.
The good news is that people with Type 1 diabetes can live full, active, and healthy lives by paying close attention to what they eat, drink and do.
One of the most common complications for many people living with Type 1 diabetes is hypoglycemia, so it’s important that they learn to recognize the early signs- such as dizziness, anxiety, fast heartbeat, shakiness, mental confusion, excess sweating, and unsteadiness to name a few. Hypoglycemia can be treated easily when recognized early by something as simple as eating or drinking something with glucose. If the hypoglycemia is more severe, injecting glucagon can bring the blood sugar up rapidly. In the same way that people with severe allergies carry an Epipen, many people with Type 1 diabetes carry a glucagon pen.
The best way to help your friends with Type 1 diabetes is to be aware of the warning signs of hypoglycemia and do something to help.
Offer a snack, get help, sit with them until they are feeling better. Your help in these situations can save a life!
One of the most common complications for many people living with Type 1 diabetes is low blood sugar- also known as hypoglycemia. It’s important to recognize the early signs- such as dizziness, anxiety, fast heartbeat, shakiness, mental confusion, excess sweating, and unsteadiness to name a few. When recognized early, hypoglycemia can be treated easily by eating or drinking something with glucose. If the hypoglycemia is more severe, injecting glucagon can bring the blood sugar up rapidly. In the same way that people with severe allergies carry an Epipen, many people with Type 1 diabetes carry a glucagon pen.
The best way to help your friends with Type 1 diabetes is to be aware of the warning signs of hypoglycemia and do something to help.
Offer a snack, get help, and stay with your friend until they are feeling better. Glucose tablets, candy, juice, milk and honey are all good options for bringing up low blood sugar levels.
Your help in this situation can save a life!
Like everyone else, people with Type 1 diabetes have good days and bad days.
Type 1 diabetes shouldn’t stop your friend from following their dreams… whether they are an aspiring athlete, musician, doctor or influencer- it’s important to be there to support your friend’s accomplishments when they are doing great!
But being awesome can be exhausting! Sometimes the constant planning, watching every bite, managing insulin, etc. can be depressing. Be there just to listen, offer support and encouragement, and remind them how great they truly are.
Now you’ve learned about Type 1 diabetes, what to watch for with low blood sugar, and how to support your friend through the good and bad days. You are an ally!
Armed with this knowledge- you are a great friend to have around! Just knowing that someone has their back helps your friend with Type 1 diabetes to relax and have fun- just like everyone else.
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