Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre

Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body makes little or no insulin. It used to be called insulin dependent or juvenile diabetes.

What is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Many foods that we eat are converted into sugar and give us the energy we need to maintain life. Type 1 diabetics need injections of insulin to help deliver the sugar to the cells.

How do you get Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is caused by destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas.

Why?

It’s still unknown.

You cannot get diabetes from eating too much sugar.

How is it tested?

Symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes.
Two consecutive blood tests revealing high levels of glucose (11.1mmol/L) in a random sample of blood.

Type 2 Diabetes

What is blood glucose (sugar)?

Blood glucose (sugar) is the amount of glucose in your blood at a given time.

Why should I check my blood glucose?

Gives you a quick measurement.
Tells you if you are high or low, at that time.
Assists you and your health care professional in managing your diabetes.

What is high blood glucose?

When your blood glucose rises over your target range or over 11.1 mmol/L.

What is low blood glucose?

When the blood glucose has dropped below your target range or less than 4 mmol/L.
Everyone’s target range is different, so talk to your doctor about YOUR blood glucose target range.

What are the signs of low blood glucose level?

You may feel:

Shaky
Light-headed and/or headache
Nervous and/or irritable
Confused
Hungry
Weak

How do I treat low blood glucose?

Check your blood glucose immediately. If it’s low, eat or drink fast-acting carbohydrates:

5 glucose tablets
¾ cup juice OR regular pop
5 hard candies
3 teaspoons of honey

What do I do if I have high blood glucose?

Call or see your doctor, because you may need to:

Adjust your medication and/or insulin.
Adjust your meal plan.
Increase physical activity.

Your doctor will be able to tell you what type of diabetes you have.

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