Life with T1D

Life with T1D

Practical Guide

Glucose monitoring 14

Monitoring blood sugar level is a necessary component of diabetes management. Glucometers provide a practical way of measuring one’s blood sugar levels at home. By following this guide, you can learn how to use a glucometer to monitor blood sugar levels.

N.B. Consider the factors capable of influencing the results, such as medication, physical activity, and stress. Refer to health professionals to properly interpret the variations.

Technologic innovations are various and multiple types of glucose monitoring devices are now available on the market, each with specific functionality. It might be useful to keep informed on technological progress, and to find the device which is best adapted to you.

Doing insulin shots 15

Knowing how to do insulin shots is a crucial skill to acquire for people living with type 1 diabetes.

It might seem intimidating at first, but following simple basic steps might facilitate the process and make it safer. Here’s how to inject insulin using an insulin pen.

The insulin pump, recently available in Mauritius, is an alternative to the multiple daily injections model that uses an insulin pen.

The pump works differently, depending on a device connected to the body through a canula, allowing insulin to flow inside the body through the device.

14 Fondation de Recherche sur le Diabète Juvénile. 2024. Surveillance de la glycémie. FRDJ (Canada). https://www.frdj.ca/gestion-quotidienne/surveillance-de-la-glycemie/

15 Diabetes UK. 2024. Injecting Insulin. Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to- diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/treating-your-diabetes/insulin/injecting

Practical Guide

Glucose monitoring 14

Monitoring blood sugar level is a necessary component of diabetes management. Glucometers provide a practical way of measuring one’s blood sugar levels at home. By following this guide, you can learn how to use a glucometer to monitor blood sugar levels.

N.B. Consider the factors capable of influencing the results, such as medication, physical activity, and stress. Refer to health professionals to properly interpret the variations.

Technologic innovations are various and multiple types of glucose monitoring devices are now available on the market, each with specific functionality. It might be useful to keep informed on technological progress, and to find the device which is best adapted to you.

Doing insulin shots 15

Knowing how to do insulin shots is a crucial skill to acquire for people living with type 1 diabetes.

It might seem intimidating at first, but following simple basic steps might facilitate the process and make it safer. Here’s how to inject insulin using an insulin pen.

The insulin pump, recently available in Mauritius, is an alternative to the multiple daily injections model that uses an insulin pen.

The pump works differently, depending on a device connected to the body through a canula, allowing insulin to flow inside the body through the device.

14 Fondation de Recherche sur le Diabète Juvénile. 2024. Surveillance de la glycémie. FRDJ (Canada). https://www.frdj.ca/gestion-quotidienne/surveillance-de-la-glycemie/

15 Diabetes UK. 2024. Injecting Insulin. Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to- diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/treating-your-diabetes/insulin/injecting

Daily Life with T1D

T1D at School

Managing diabetes at school can be a challenge, but good habits and open communication can guarantee that it won’t be a hindrance on the child’s education. T1 Diams offers a formation on type 1 diabetes to teachers, students, and school personnel. Through this formation, we help build a healthy and safe environment in which the child can fully embrace their experience at school.

  • Educating the teaching staff: Teachers and administrators of the school that have been through T1 Diams’ formation on type 1 diabetes are likely to provide support to the child through their education. It’s important that the teaching staff recognizes symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and that they adopt the proper reflex in case of emergency.

  • Following the treatment at school: The child should be able to follow the treatment plan recommended by doctors and educators in a healthy environment, safe from judgement. The child should be able to monitor their blood sugar levels and administer insulin shots at school, for the sake of their health. The child must also always have access to the bathroom, even outside of break time.

  • Meals: The child should be guaranteed access to a balanced meal at school. They must be allowed to eat their snacks, even outside of lunchtime.

  • Physical activities and outings: A child with type 1 diabetes is fully capable of participating in P.E. classes, if their blood sugar is monitored before, during, and after the physical activity. Activities (such as sports days, outings, camps, etc.) should be accessible, given that the child is fully prepared and supervised.

  • School mates: Having type 1 diabetes can be an isolating experience. While T1 Diams gives a formation on diabetes in schools, it greatly helps the child to know that they won’t face the judgement of their school mates. The support of their friends guarantees a better experience at school.

  • Confidence: Type 1 diabetes can burden one’s mental health. However, if the child is supported in an inclusive environment, they can learn to accept the condition, which ultimately helps to manage their diabetes.

Daily Life with T1D

T1D at School

Managing diabetes at school can be a challenge, but good habits and open communication can guarantee that it won’t be a hindrance on the child’s education. T1 Diams offers a formation on type 1 diabetes to teachers, students, and school personnel. Through this formation, we help build a healthy and safe environment in which the child can fully embrace their experience at school.

  • Educating the teaching staff: Teachers and administrators of the school that have been through T1 Diams’ formation on type 1 diabetes are likely to provide support to the child through their education. It’s important that the teaching staff recognizes symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and that they adopt the proper reflex in case of emergency.

  • Following the treatment at school: The child should be able to follow the treatment plan recommended by doctors and educators in a healthy environment, safe from judgement. The child should be able to monitor their blood sugar levels and administer insulin shots at school, for the sake of their health. The child must also always have access to the bathroom, even outside of break time.

  • Meals: The child should be guaranteed access to a balanced meal at school. They must be allowed to eat their snacks, even outside of lunchtime.

  • Physical activities and outings: A child with type 1 diabetes is fully capable of participating in P.E. classes, if their blood sugar is monitored before, during, and after the physical activity. Activities (such as sports days, outings, camps, etc.) should be accessible, given that the child is fully prepared and supervised.

  • School mates: Having type 1 diabetes can be an isolating experience. While T1 Diams gives a formation on diabetes in schools, it greatly helps the child to know that they won’t face the judgement of their school mates. The support of their friends guarantees a better experience at school.

  • Confidence: Type 1 diabetes can burden one’s mental health. However, if the child is supported in an inclusive environment, they can learn to accept the condition, which ultimately helps to manage their diabetes.

T1D at Work

Managing diabetes at work can be challenging, but good planification and healthy habits help maintaining balance.

t1d at work

  • Educating the staff: By educating superiors and colleagues and raising awareness about type 1 diabetes, one may find themselves in a safer and more inclusive working environment. That way, emergency situations can be responded to adequately.

  • Organize one’s work: Work can be stressful and having to manage one’s diabetes on top of that makes things more complicated. With organized work, it’s easier to complete tasks while controlling one’s diabetes and reducing stress.

  • Staying active: Working can lead one to become sedentary, and time for daily exercise may be hard to find. However, regular physical activity is primordial for managing type 1 diabetes. Stretching, office exercises, or a brisk walk during breaktime may help staying active.

  • Being autonomous: By following the recommendations of doctors and educators, it should be possible to monitor one’s blood sugar levels and do daily insulin injections at work without any obstacle. Autonomy prevents emergency situations and helps being more confident regarding one’s condition.

T1D at Work

Managing diabetes at work can be challenging, but good planification and healthy habits help maintaining balance.

t1d at work

  • Educating the staff: By educating superiors and colleagues and raising awareness about type 1 diabetes, one may find themselves in a safer and more inclusive working environment. That way, emergency situations can be responded to adequately.

  • Organize one’s work: Work can be stressful and having to manage one’s diabetes on top of that makes things more complicated. With organized work, it’s easier to complete tasks while controlling one’s diabetes and reducing stress.

  • Staying active: Working can lead one to become sedentary, and time for daily exercise may be hard to find. However, regular physical activity is primordial for managing type 1 diabetes. Stretching, office exercises, or a brisk walk during breaktime may help staying active.

  • Being autonomous: By following the recommendations of doctors and educators, it should be possible to monitor one’s blood sugar levels and do daily insulin injections at work without any obstacle. Autonomy prevents emergency situations and helps being more confident regarding one’s condition.

T1D and Sports 16

Sports are a strong ally for those living with type 1 diabetes. Besides the obvious positive impact on health, regular physical activity is crucial to maintain stable levels of blood sugar.

16 JDRF. 2023. Exercice. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. https://www.jdrf.org/t1d- resources/living-with-t1d/exercise/

Effects on blood sugar:

During activities of moderate intensity and on long periods, like a hike or a bike ride, blood sugar may lower. This is why it’s important for people living with type 1 diabetes to monitor rigorously their blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercising. Adjusting insulin dosage or sugar intake may be necessary to avoid hypoglycemia.

On the flip side, intense activity expending on a short amount of time, like intervals of training sessions and sprinting, may raise the level of blood sugar. The organism releases stress hormones in instances of intense exercising, which leads the liver to release a great amount of glucose. To maintain better control, carefully monitoring blood sugar levels and adjusting the treatment accordingly is essential in these situations.

Prepare a session of physical activity:

The key is to know one’s body well and to be aware of the way it reacts to different types of physical activities. Working in collaboration with doctors, educators, nutritionists, and endocrinologists can help create a personalized program that includes diabetes management.

With a thoughtful approach and careful monitoring, exercising safely can be eased and contribute to living an active and healthy life with type 1 diabetes.

T1D and Sports 16

Sports are a strong ally for those living with type 1 diabetes. Besides the obvious positive impact on health, regular physical activity is crucial to maintain stable levels of blood sugar.

16 JDRF. 2023. Exercice. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. https://www.jdrf.org/t1d- resources/living-with-t1d/exercise/

Effects on blood sugar:

During activities of moderate intensity and on long periods, like a hike or a bike ride, blood sugar may lower. This is why it’s important for people living with type 1 diabetes to monitor rigorously their blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercising. Adjusting insulin dosage or sugar intake may be necessary to avoid hypoglycemia.

On the flip side, intense activity expending on a short amount of time, like intervals of training sessions and sprinting, may raise the level of blood sugar. The organism releases stress hormones in instances of intense exercising, which leads the liver to release a great amount of glucose. To maintain better control, carefully monitoring blood sugar levels and adjusting the treatment accordingly is essential in these situations.

Prepare a session of physical activity:

The key is to know one’s body well and to be aware of the way it reacts to different types of physical activities. Working in collaboration with doctors, educators, nutritionists, and endocrinologists can help create a personalized program that includes diabetes management.

With a thoughtful approach and careful monitoring, exercising safely can be eased and contribute to living an active and healthy life with type 1 diabetes.

T1D and other illnesses 17

Impact on glycemia:

When living with diabetes, falling sick may represent an additional daily challenge. The flu, for example, can influence blood sugar levels. Variations in blood sugar levels are common during sickness, as the body fights off infection by releasing stress hormones, that may increase blood sugar levels. It’s essential to regularly monitor one’s blood sugar, adjusting insulin dosage and other medication accordingly, and to stay hydrated.

Viral infections can also impact blood sugar levels. When the immune system is active, insulin resistance is heightened, which may require temporary adjustment to the diabetes treatment plan. It’s crucial to communicate with health professionals to elaborate specific strategies in these moments.

Taking medication:

 

Taking medication while managing diabetes might make things more complex. Some medication can affect blood sugar levels, so it’s important to inform all health professionals of your condition as a person living with type 1 diabetes, to ensure that prescriptions are adapted.

Open communication with the medical team and careful monitoring help maintain efficient diabetes management, even when sick.

Gastroenteritis and type 1 diabetes 18 :

Gastroenteritis (or commonly referred to as “stomach flu”) is a viral infection of the digestive system, characterized by intense vomiting and diarrhea, as well as abdominal pain. In the case of gastroenteritis, the person affected is likely suffering from dehydration and the body might be under high stress.

For a person living with type 1 diabetes, gastroenteritis – through side effects such as dehydration and stress, can lead to an increase in blood sugar level. Often, a person with type 1 diabetes might be hospitalized following infection, due to severe dehydration and untreated hyperglycemia.

In case of gastroenteritis, it is highly recommended to keep hydrated and to adjust insulin dosage in accordance with the doctor’s prescription.

IN CASES OF DANGEROUSLY HIGH BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS (OVER 20 MMOL/L) AND OF THE PRESENCE OF KETONE BODIES, REACH THE EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY.

17 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (2023). Type 1 Diabetes and The Flu (and Other Illnesses). JDRF. https://www.jdrf.org/t1d-resources/living-with-t1d/t1d-and-flu/

18 Diabète Québec. (2024). Gastroentérite. Diabète Québec. https://www.diabete.qc.ca/le-diabete/la-vie- avec-le-diabete/journees-de-maladie/gastroenterite/

T1D and other illnesses 17

Impact on glycemia:

When living with diabetes, falling sick may represent an additional daily challenge. The flu, for example, can influence blood sugar levels. Variations in blood sugar levels are common during sickness, as the body fights off infection by releasing stress hormones, that may increase blood sugar levels. It’s essential to regularly monitor one’s blood sugar, adjusting insulin dosage and other medication accordingly, and to stay hydrated.

Viral infections can also impact blood sugar levels. When the immune system is active, insulin resistance is heightened, which may require temporary adjustment to the diabetes treatment plan. It’s crucial to communicate with health professionals to elaborate specific strategies in these moments.

Taking medication:

 

Taking medication while managing diabetes might make things more complex. Some medication can affect blood sugar levels, so it’s important to inform all health professionals of your condition as a person living with type 1 diabetes, to ensure that prescriptions are adapted.

Open communication with the medical team and careful monitoring help maintain efficient diabetes management, even when sick.

Gastroenteritis and type 1 diabetes 18 :

Gastroenteritis (or commonly referred to as “stomach flu”) is a viral infection of the digestive system, characterized by intense vomiting and diarrhea, as well as abdominal pain. In the case of gastroenteritis, the person affected is likely suffering from dehydration and the body might be under high stress.

For a person living with type 1 diabetes, gastroenteritis – through side effects such as dehydration and stress, can lead to an increase in blood sugar level. Often, a person with type 1 diabetes might be hospitalized following infection, due to severe dehydration and untreated hyperglycemia.

In case of gastroenteritis, it is highly recommended to keep hydrated and to adjust insulin dosage in accordance with the doctor’s prescription.

IN CASES OF DANGEROUSLY HIGH BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS (OVER 20 MMOL/L) AND OF THE PRESENCE OF KETONE BODIES, REACH THE EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY.

17 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (2023). Type 1 Diabetes and The Flu (and Other Illnesses). JDRF. https://www.jdrf.org/t1d-resources/living-with-t1d/t1d-and-flu/

18 Diabète Québec. (2024). Gastroentérite. Diabète Québec. https://www.diabete.qc.ca/le-diabete/la-vie- avec-le-diabete/journees-de-maladie/gastroenterite/