Type 1 diabetes is a serious health condition with 1.3 million Australians affected (ABS, 2022). The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, however, it is thought to be caused by family history, and genetics. It is less common than type 2 diabetes and is typically diagnosed in children 14 years old and younger, but it can also be triggered later in life. While medicine is available to help manage type 1 diabetes, diet and exercise play a huge role as well. Having a healthy and sustainable diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, will not only influence life expectancy but, but will also improve quality of life. Voted one of the best diets in the world, the Mediterranean diet reaps rewards for individuals suffering from type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes and Mediterranean Diet
Because diet plays such a big role in monitoring type 1 diabetes, following a diet that is sustainable, delicious, accessible, and beneficial is key. The Mediterranean style of eating has proven to lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure, promote healthy weight loss, reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol, and reduce markers for blood vessel inflammation, making it a rewarding diet for people with type 1 diabetes. Additionally, it can have great mental health benefits by improving mood and energy levels, helping people live a much more fulfilled life.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body’s own immune system attacks the beta cells that make insulin. Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates blood glucose, which is a major fuel source for our bodies. Without insulin, the glucose doesn’t convert into fuel, accumulating in the bloodstream which increases blood sugar resulting in diabetes symptoms such as excessive thirst, dehydration, fatigue, unexplained weight loss and more. Undiagnosed or untreated, type 1 diabetes can even lead to organ failure or comas.
How do you manage type 1 diabetes?
There is no cure for type 1 diabetes. The only way you can treat it is by injecting insulin into the bloodstream to help glucose access the cells that require it. The management relies on the dose and the timing of insulin. Having too much glucose results in hyperglycemia, and having too little results in hypoglycemia – both can result in serious complications. Insulin is a peptide hormone that would be destroyed by stomach acid if taken orally, which is why it needs to be injected directly into the bloodstream with a pump.
What else can I do to manage type 1 diabetes?
Medicine is only part of the story for managing type 1 diabetes – diet and exercise play a big role as well. People living with diabetes have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and other serious complications. An Australian study showed that young people with type 1 diabetes noticed having high blood glucose levels negatively affects thinking performance, coordination, emotions, and moods.
How can dietitians help with managing type 1 diabetes?
Dietitians are experts in understanding the connection between our health and the food we eat, that’s why they can play a crucial role in helping individuals with type 1 diabetes manage their condition through proper nutrition.
Here are some ways that dietitians can help manage type 1 diabetes:
- Tailored meal plans: Dietitians work with individuals with type 1 diabetes to create personalised meal plans that consider their individual nutrition needs, lifestyle, and medication regimen.
- Educate: Dietitians can provide education and support for individuals with type 1 diabetes to learn how to make informed food choices such as label reading, carbohydrate counting, and nutrient deficiencies.
- Help manage weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for individuals with type 1 diabetes, as it can help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. Dietitians can provide guidance on healthy eating habits and weight management strategies.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals: Dietitians can work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as endocrinologists and certified diabetes educators, to provide comprehensive care to individuals with type 1 diabetes.
For individual help and more information contact our dietitians at Med E Life.