Type 1 diabetes

Question 1

How to treat a hypo?

Answer 1

Aim for 15-20g of quick release CHO
e.g. 150-200ml orange juice, 3-4 jelly babies, 5-6 dextrose or glucose tablets,

Wait 10-15 minutes and then test again

If above 4 –> have slow release carbohydrate e.g. toast, biscuit –> unless about to have a meal then have meal, making sure it contains CHO.

If still below 4 –> retreat
Test 10-15 minutes again

Try not to increase glucose to quickly

Question 2

What are the target blood glucose ranges?

Answer 2

4-7mmol before meals
5-9mmmol after eating

Question 3

What are the sick day rules?

Answer 3

• Continue to take insulin
• Test you blood sugars more (4x a day)
• Drink plenty of fluids –> sugar free
• Eat little and often
• If BG remains high and ketones in the blood or urine, contact medical team

Question 4

How does illness affect diabetes?

Answer 4

Illness and infections can raise blood glucose levels, as part of the body’s defence mechanism to fight illness is by releasing more glucose into the bloodstream.
People with diabetes cannot produce the insulin to cope with this which can cause extremely high BGLs.

Question 5

What are symptoms of a hypo?

Answer 5

• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Irritability
• Rapid heart beat

BGL below 4mmol

Question 6

What dietary habits can help with blood sugar control?

Answer 6

• Snack before bed, something with CHO and protein e.g. toast and peanut butter, milk and a biscuit
• May need a mid morning snack such as a piece of fruit to reduce risk of hypo
• Don’t exercise before meals

Question 7

Is exercise recommended?
How should you manage BGLs when exercising?

Answer 7

• Help reduce risk of complications

Test blood sugar before exercising
- Less than 4mmol –> hypo treatment, treat, don’t exercise
- 4-7mmol –> Target range, you may need a starch carbohydrate snack before to make sure BGLs don’t
Local diabetes support group