What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is defined as a disease that occurs when your blood sugar is too high. When left untreated, it can lead to complications like heart disease, nerve damage, eye problems and kidney disease. 

The pancreas produces insulin, which is necessary for allowing sugar into cells. Without it,  blood sugar levels are higher than they should be. 

Type 1 Diabetes - your body does not make 

insulin 

30.3 million 

number of people in the United States who are estimated to have diabetes 

Type 2 Diabetes - your body does not make enough insulin or resists its effects in lowering blood sugar

Symptoms 

increased hunger & thirst 

fatigue 

blurred vision 

numbness or tingling in hands and feet 

unexplained weight loss 

Nutrition Therapy 

choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, heart-healthy fats and lean proteins 

limit fried foods, foods high in sodium, desserts and sugar-sweetened beverages 

work with a registered dietitian for a nutrition plan personalized just for you! 

1 in 4 

number of people who don't know they have diabetes 

Diabetes and Insulin Sugar & Carbohydrates 

Sugar and carbohydrates that we eat get converted into glucose during digestion 

Glucose 

Glucose enters the bloodstream and signals the pancreas to release insulin 

Insulin

Insulin is secreted by the pancreas and is released into bloodstream. It acts as a key that unlocks the cells' ability to use the glucose for energy. 

Type 1 Diabetes	Type 2 Diabetes
No insulin is produced by the pancreas and blood sugar levels rise as the glucose is unable to enter cells without insulin	Not enough insulin is being produced to maintain normal blood sugar levels or the body resists the effects of insulin

Type 1 Diabetes 

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are attacked by the body's own immune system. It is a chronic condition in which the pancreatic cells can no longer produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to regulate blood sugar levels. Without insulin, blood sugar levels can rise to dangerously high levels. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can develop at any age. 

There is no one cause of type 1 diabetes, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Type 1 diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be managed with insulin therapy and other treatments. With proper management, people with type 1 diabetes can live long, healthy lives.

Symptoms 

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes can develop quickly, over a period of weeks or even days. The most common symptoms include: 

• Increased thirst and urination 

• Extreme hunger 

• Weight loss 

• Fatigue 

• Blurry vision 

• Yeast infections 
  

If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or your  child, it's important to see a doctor right away. If left untreated, type 1 diabetes can lead to serious complications such as ketoacidosis (a build-up of acids in the blood) or diabetic coma (a state of  unconsciousness). 

Diagnosing Type 1 Diabetes 

If you or your child has symptoms of type 1 diabetes, your doctor will order a blood test 

called a hemoglobin A1c test. This test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 

three months. A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is made if the A1c test is 6.5% or higher. Your doctor 

may also order additional tests such as a fasting blood sugar test or an oral glucose tolerance test 

to confirm the diagnosis. 

Type 1 Diabetes 

Carbohydrates and Type 1 Diabetes 

People with type 1 diabetes must carefully monitor their carbohydrate intake to keep their blood sugar levels under control. Carbohydrates are found in foods such as bread, pasta, rice, fruits, and vegetables. Foods that are high in carbohydrates can cause blood sugar levels to spike, especially when consumed alone without protein or fat. People with type 1 diabetes need to count the grams of carbohydrates in each food they eat and then adjust their insulin dose accordingly.  

Dosing is determined by your healthcare team and may change over time, so it's important to visit your practitioner often. 

Nutrition and Type 1 Diabetes 

There are many factors that can affect blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes. One of the most important factors is diet. What you eat can have a significant impact on your blood sugar levels. 

Some foods are more likely to cause a spike in blood sugar levels than others. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, and sugary foods, are the most likely to cause problems. These foods can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly and then drop just as quickly. This can lead to hypoglycemia [low blood sugar], fatigue, dizziness, and even unconsciousness. 

There are many foods that can be included in a healthy diet for people with type 1 diabetes. Lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains are all good choices. It is important to consume balanced meals and snacks, those with a combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, to prevent blood sugar spikes. Examples of balanced snacks and meals include: 

SNACKS: 

Apple + nut butter + hemp seeds 

Hummus + carrots + pretzels 

Tortilla chips + guacamole + salsa 

Whole-wheat toast + nut butter + raspberries 

MEALS: 

Turkey + avocado + whole-wheat bread 

Chicken + broccoli with parmesan cheese + brown rice 

Beef chili + kidney beans + spaghetti squash 

Salmon + quinoa with herbs + green beans 

Dehydration can also affect blood sugar levels so be sure to drink plenty of fluids and consume water-rich fruits and vegetables. For more information, click below:

• eBook:  The ultimate guide to type 2 diabetes

• eBook:  The ultimate guide to gestational diabetes

• Online Program:  Nutrition and lifestyle change for prediabetes
  

The ultimate guide to type 2 diabetes: 

The ultimate guide to gestational diabetes:

Nutrition and lifestyle change for prediabetes