Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 In Adults

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Diabetes mellitus type 1 is a disease that affects how your body makes insulin and uses glucose (sugar). Insulin is a hormone that helps your body take sugar out of your blood and use it for energy. Normally, when the blood sugar level increases, the pancreas makes more insulin. Type 1 diabetes develops because your immune system destroys pancreas cells that make insulin. Your pancreas cannot make enough insulin, so your blood sugar level continues to rise.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Insulin: You may need 1 or more doses of insulin each day. Insulin can be injected or given through an insulin pump. Ask your primary healthcare provider which method is best for you. You must take insulin correctly. You will be taught how to give the insulin doses.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or diabetes specialist as directed:

You may need yearly eye exams to check for retinopathy and yearly urine tests to check for kidney problems. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Blood sugar checks:

You will be taught how to use a glucose monitor. You may need to check your blood sugar level at least 3 times each day. Ask your primary healthcare provider when and how often to check during the day. Ask what your blood sugar levels should be before and after you eat. You may need to check for ketones in your urine or blood if your blood sugar is high. Write down your results, and show them to your primary healthcare provider. He may make changes to your medicine, food, or exercise schedules.

Medical alert identification:

Wear medical alert jewelry or carry a card that says you have diabetes. Ask your primary healthcare provider where to get these items.

Diabetes education:

Caregivers will teach you how to manage your diabetes. A caregiver may visit you at home to teach you more about diabetes, or you may attend classes. They will teach you what to do if your blood sugar level goes too high or too low. They will also help you plan sick day management. Ask how to dispose of used needles and syringes.

Foot care:

High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels. You may lose feeling in your feet because of nerve damage.

• Check your feet each day for sores.
  
  
• Wear shoes and socks that fit correctly.
  
  
• Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes before you cut your nails. Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Do not cut your nails into the corners or close to the skin. Do not dig under or around the nail.

Weight loss:

A healthy weight can help you control your diabetes. Ask your primary healthcare provider if you need to lose weight, and how much to lose. Ask him to help you with a weight loss program.

Nutrition:

A dietitian will help you make a meal plan to keep your blood sugar level under control. Never skip meals. Your blood sugar level may drop too low if you have taken medicine and do not eat.

• Keep track of carbohydrates: Your blood sugar level can get too high if you eat too many carbohydrates in one meal or snack. Your dietitian will help you plan meals and snacks that have the right amount of carbohydrates.
  
  
• Eat low-fat foods: Choose foods that are low in fat. Some examples are skinless chicken and low-fat milk.
  
  
• Eat less salt: Limit foods that are high in sodium (salt), such as soy sauce, potato chips, and soup. Do not add salt to food you cook.
  
  
• Eat high-fiber foods: Foods that are a good source of fiber include vegetables, whole grain breads, and beans.

Limit alcohol:

Alcohol affects your blood sugar level and can make it harder to manage your diabetes. Women should limit alcohol to 1 drink a day. Men should limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.

Exercise:

Exercise can help keep your blood sugar level steady, decrease your risk of heart disease, and help you lose weight. Exercise for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Work with your primary healthcare provider to plan the best exercise program for you. You may need to eat a carbohydrate snack before, during, or after you exercise. If your blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL, have a carbohydrate snack before you exercise. Examples are 4 to 6 crackers, ½ banana, 8 ounces (1 cup) of milk, or 4 ounces (½ cup) of juice. Do not exercise if your blood sugar level is high and you have ketones in your urine or blood.

Quit smoking:

If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Smoking can worsen the problems that can occur with diabetes. Ask your primary healthcare provider for information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

Vaccines:

Diabetes puts you at risk of serious illness if you get the flu or pneumonia. Ask your primary healthcare provider if you should get a flu, pneumonia, or hepatitis B vaccine, and when to get the vaccine.

For more information:

• American Diabetes Association
  1701 North Beauregard Street
  Alexandria , VA 22311
  Phone: 1- 800 - 342-2383
  Web Address: http://www.diabetes.org
  

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You feel weak or more tired than usual.
  
  
• You feel dizzy or have headaches.
  
  
• You are vomiting or have an upset stomach.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You are having trouble staying awake or focusing.
  
  
• You are shaking or sweating.
  
  
• You have blurred or double vision.
  
  
• Your breath has a fruity, sweet smell or your breathing is shallow.
  
  
• Your heartbeat is fast and weak.

Learn more about Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 In Adults (Discharge Care)