What is Type 1 Diabetes?

One of the most common questions I hear when people find out about Savanna is "What can she eat?".  They are always surprised when I say "She can eat anything".  Over the last 10 months, I've found that most people have a general idea of what Diabetes is, but not everyone knows the specifics.  I get it -- that was me before Savanna was diagnosed.  My knowledge was limited to knowing it had something to do wih blood sugars.  Wow, how things have changed!  And so, I'm going to *attempt* to explain what Type 1 Diabetes is and how it effects our lives. 

I think most people know that there are 2 types of Diabetes - Type 1 (which is what Savanna has) and Type 2.  Generally speaking, people with Type 2 can sometimes manage their diabetes with a healthier diet or pill.  Type 1 Diabetics have a more difficult path...

The JDRF website has an awesome fact sheet that explains what T1D is here.  Here are some of the important main points:

• T1D is an autoimmune disease that effects that pancreas's ability to produce insulin, which enables people to get energy from food.  This is why Savanna was always tired - her body wasn't producing insulin, so it wasn't getting energy from the food she ate.
• There are no known causes for T1D - there is nothing that can be done to prevent it and as of right now, no cure available.
• T1D (once called Juvenile Diabetes) can occur in children and adults at any age.
• In order for people with T1D to live a health life, they must balance insulin doses (either through injections or a pump) with eating and activities throughout the day and night.
• Insulin injections (or infusions) allow people with T1D to stay alive, but does NOT cure the disease.

Basically, until a cure is found, people with T1D balance their meals and physical activities with insulin so they do not have high or low blood sugars, both of which are very dangerous.

Here is a basic overview of how Savanna manages her T1D on a daily basis:

Savanna pricks her finger and checks her blood sugars before eating breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and bedtime

 

 

We then decide what she wants to eat and determine the total carbohydrates she will eat for the whole meal by looking at the label on the side of a packaging (or by looking it up in our trusty Calorie King book)

She then gets insulin to help balance the carbs she will eat for the meal.  There is a carb-to-insulin ratio we follow, which allows us to determine how much insulin she gets.  For example, right now, she gets 1 unit of insulin for every 20 grams of carbs she is eating

 

She does this at least 5 or 6 times a day - sometimes at home, sometimes at school, sometimes if we are out and about.  If she is going to eat anything, she has to have insulin.

One positive about managing her diabetes with insulin is that she CAN EAT ANYTHING SHE WANTS.  Of course, this doesn't meant we're pouring sugar in her mouth, but treats like ice cream, popsicles, and other goodies are okay - as long as we can determine the total carbs in the treat, she can have it.  Which is a big relief - imagine telling a 6-year old she's not allowed to have a cookie, ice cream, and other treats.  Don't get my wrong - we still have to say no (like in kindergarten when someone brought in homemade cookies for a birthday snack), but for the most part, Savanna is understanding and knows she can have another "treat" so we can get a carb count.

So, to answer the most common question asked - Savanna CAN eat that cookie, ice cream, candy, etc.  But, please don't just hand them to her (and if you do, don't be surprised if she doesn't eat them right away).  We need to figure out carbs, check her blood sugar, and give her insulin...but 5 minutes later, she'll be enjoying those tasty treats as well!