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Lifestyle changes for Type 1 diabetes

You can develop type 1 diabetes at any age, but it tends to appear early in life, among children, teenagers and young adults. With good management of blood glucose levels and an overall healthy lifestyle for diabetes, you can live a long and active life with the condition1.

 

Lifestyle changes for type 1 diabetes – why are they important?

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your body cannot make insulin, or it makes very little insulin. Insulin helps blood sugar enter our cells to provide energy; without insulin, blood glucose levels become too high, which is damaging to your body2.

Experts still do not know exactly what causes type 1 diabetes – it’s likely to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. It can develop at any age, although it tends to be more common in children and young adults3.

Treatment combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy balanced diet, increasing exercise and eliminating unhealthy lifestyle activities, e.g., smoking, as well as a good routine, will help you to manage your condition4.

Lifestyle changes for diabetes can make a difference in how you feel while also reducing your risk of developing complications in the future. That said, there is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes, and there is currently no permanent cure2.

 

What are recommended lifestyle changes for type 1 diabetes?

Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet

There are several categories of lifestyle changes for type 1 diabetes, and diet is an important category you cannot ignore. Diet plays a significant role in how your body maintains blood glucose levels when you have diabetes. This doesn’t mean completely limiting the foods you can eat but instead eating a healthy, balanced diet4

With more flexible insulin regimens now available, fitting your diabetes treatment around your current lifestyle can be more personalised to you. Check out this article to find out more about treatments for type 1 diabetes.

food plate for type 1 diabetes management, showing 50% vegetables, 25% protein, and 25% carbohydrates. The plate is divided into sections with examples of each food type

Although there is no such thing as a ‘diabetic diet’ for type 1 diabetes, your diet should include making food choices that are low in saturated fat, sugar and salt6. See more information on how to manage your diet when you are living with diabetes here.

 

Managing your carbohydrates

All carbohydrates affect your blood glucose levels, which is why carbohydrate counting is important to keep your blood glucose (sugar) steady when you have type 1 diabetes6.

Carbohydrates are a necessary part of a healthy, balanced meal as, without them, your insulin may cause blood glucose levels to drop too low6.

Slow release carbohydrates from foods such as wholegrains (e.g., brown rice, whole wheat bread) are healthier options as they help to keep your blood sugar levels more stable between meals7.

Nuts and seeds, unsweetened yoghurt and milk are classed as healthier because they’re lower in carbohydrates, which also help to contribute towards keeping blood sugar levels stable between meals. See below for a list of healthier carbohydrate options to include in your meals6.

Healthier carbohydrate options to include in your meals

Exercise regularly

You have probably heard many times about the physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise, and so this is a key component of the suggested lifestyle for diabetes4. If you have type 1 diabetes, it’s important to take some extra steps to make sure you are exercising safely.

Exercise plays a crucial role in the maintenance of body weight and blood glucose levels4. Depending on the type of activity you do, it may cause your blood glucose levels to rise (hyperglycaemia) or drop (hypoglycaemia)8

Here are a few tips to help you manage your blood glucose levels when exercising:

  • You can avoid hypos by eating the right amount and type of carbs before, during and after exercise9
  • You should adjust your insulin and check your blood glucose (sugar) regularly9

Exercise affects everyone differently, and the key to learning would be to track your blood glucose levels and how you feel before, during and after different types of exercise. It may take some time to figure out what works best for you, but you will get there. 

More information on how to manage diabetes through exercise can be found here.

 

Look after your type 1 diabetes

Working closely with your diabetes healthcare team will help you develop suitable lifestyle changes for type 1 diabetes and ensure you receive the right treatment and care that works for you. They will be there to provide the information you need, help you feel more confident in managing your condition and can provide counsel as and when you need it. Check in regularly with your Healthcare Practitioner for information to help manage your type 1 diabetes. Also, make sure to speak openly with your family, friends and caregivers so they know the care you require and can support you when necessary.

 

Quit smoking and drink in moderation

Smoking makes your body more resistant to insulin, meaning you will need to take more insulin to control your blood glucose levels. Prolonged periods of high blood glucose levels can lead to diabetes complications9.

You can drink alcohol if you have type 1 diabetes. However, alcohol can affect your blood glucose levels and you will need to take some extra precautions if you plan to drink.

Click here for further information on dos and don’ts when drinking with type 1 diabetes.

 

Manage diabetes and your mental health

It can feel normal for some of us to experience stress and anxiety, but if you’re living with diabetes, these emotions can be heightened and harder to manage. Click here to read about ways you can help manage your stress and mental health when you are living with diabetes.

Remember, combining healthy lifestyle changes for diabetes with the right type 1 diabetes treatment and proper management of your routine/condition with regular blood glucose (sugar) monitoring, will help ensure you can live your life to the fullest.

It can feel challenging to manage type 1 diabetes, but with the right support, you can find a good balance; living with your condition while doing what you love so you can live the life you want.

February 2024. IE23DI00191

References
  1. Mayo Clinic. Type 1 Diabetes. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011 Last accessed: October 2022.
  2. Diabetes UK. Type 1 Diabetes. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/types-of-diabetes/type-1 Last accessed: October 2022.
  3. Diabetes UK. Research spotlight - what causes type 1 diabetes? Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/research/research-round-up/research-spotlight/research-spotlight-what-causes-type-1-diabetes Last accessed: October 2022.
  4. Reddy PH. Can Diabetes Be Controlled by Lifestyle Activities? Curr Res Diabetes Obes J. 2017;1.
  5. Diabetes What's Next?. How to manage diabetes with diet. Available from: https://www.diabeteswhatsnext.com/ie0/ie/living-with-diabetes/diabetes-diet/how-to-manage-diabetes.html Last accessed: October 2022.
  6. Diabetes.org.uk. I Have Type 1 Diabetes - What Can I Eat? Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/i-have-type-1-diabetes Last accessed: October 2022.
  7. Diabetes UK. Wholegrains and diabetes. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/carbohydrates-and-diabetes/wholegrains-and-diabetes- Last accessed: October 2022.
  8. NHS UK. Exercise and sport. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-1-diabetes/living-with-type-1-diabetes/exercise-and-sport/ Last accessed: October 2022.
  9. NHS UK. Smoking and Diabetes. Available from: https://www.mytype1diabetes.nhs.uk/resources/internal/smoking-and-diabetes/ Last accessed: October 2022. 

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