What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Definition: an autoimmune disease in which the immune cells act against and destroy the beta cells of the pancreas

that make insulin.

Insulin and Glucose-”the lock and key”

Insulin is the chemical or hormone released by the pancreas that controls your blood glucose levels.

Insulin acts as the “key” that unlocks the cells in order for the sugar to enter.

A diabetic needs to “cover” their carbohydrates with insulin in order to obtain energy from the food that they have eaten.

Carbohydrates- the body’s major source of energy

The main nutrient that affects blood sugar/glucose levels.

Starches/bread, fruits, milk, and vegetables.

Carohydrates enter the bloodstream between 15 minutes and 2 hours after eating, depending upon the meal.

Carbohydrates Cereal, Breads, Grains Pasta, Rice and Crackers Fruit and Fruit Juices Honey, Table Sugar, Syrup Yogurt and Milk Vegetables (starchy/non-starchy) Cakes, pies, cookies, candy

Fiber’s Role..

The body cannot break down fiber or use it for energy.

Fiber’s role in controlling blood glucose involves its ability to form a jelly-like material that blocks digestive juices from getting to the food.

It slows the uptake of the carbohydrate from the intestine providing a more gradual increase in blood glucose levels.

Raw apple vs. apple juice.

Protein-second major source of calories

Does not contribute to the blood sugar levels immediately.

It takes several hours for protein to be converted into sugar.

Fat

Does not have a direct effect on blood sugar. Fat may lower blood sugar by slowing the

absorption of the glucose because it requires more time to digest.

Reading Labels

Basics to a Healthy Diet There are no bad

foods. Moderation Colors Variety Balance

Portions and Serving Sizes Learn them, Live

them, Love them. The more practice

you have the less you will need to pull out a measuring cup or scale.

Snacks and Meals Eat meals and

snacks around the same time each day.

Never skip a meal or go for more than 4-5 hours without eating.

Bedtime snack should include good sources of protein, fat and carbohydrate.

Exercise and Blood Sugar Levels

When you exercise your insulin sensitivity increases.

This means that less insulin is needed to handle the CHO you consume.