Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition characterised by the body’s inability to produce insulin. Without insulin, cells are unable to absorb sugar and convert it into energy. This leads to elevated blood sugar levels.
It is vital to understand that Type 1 Diabetes is not a consequence of your lifestyle or dietary choices.
Being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes can be an overwhelming experience. It represents a significant change in one's life.
You may be anxious about the future. You may also feel overwhelmed by the new skills you need to acquire to manage your condition.
At NUH, your healthcare team is committed to supporting you in adapting to this new phase of life.
Our aim is to assist you in leading a fulfilling life, a goal many have successfully achieved. We encourage you to remain hopeful.
At NUH, you are supported by a comprehensive healthcare team, ensuring you are not alone in this journey. Your team includes:
It is common to feel overwhelmed initially when learning new skills. Focus on these basic skills first.
Like learning something new for the first time, it's normal not to master everything immediately. Allow yourself time to adapt and improve through practice.
Because your body is unable to produce insulin, it needs to administered through injections. You will be prescribed with two types of insulin:
Self-injection might seem daunting initially. For a practical guide on insulin injection and tips for a less painful experience, click here.
Regularly checking your blood sugar levels helps you understand your body better and also enables your healthcare team to offer more effective support. It will take some time to stabilise your blood sugar levels, please remain patient during this process.
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Your blood sugar might drop below 4 mmol/L due to an imbalance between your insulin dose and food intake, or due to other factors like physical activity. Learn how to manage low blood glucose effectively with this quick reference.
Step 1: Healthy eating and reducing sugar intake
Begin by focusing on healthy eating habits and minimising sugar intake. Avoid simple sugars like those in sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets to reduce large spikes in blood sugar levels.
Step 2: Identifying carbohydrates and practicing portion control
As you monitor your blood sugar levels, you may begin to notice that the more carbohydrates you consume, the higher the blood sugar levels will rise. Carbohydrates are found in foods like rice, noodles, root vegetables (e.g. potatoes), bread and sugary foods or drinks.
You may also observe blood sugar levels dropping to hypoglycaemia levels (<4 mmol/L) after eating, if you eat too little carbohydrates.
Therefore, recognizing carbohydrates and practicing portion control can help you keep your blood sugar levels within target range. For more information on carbohydrates and food label reading, visit Diabetes and Food.
Step 3: Learning carbohydrate counting
As you become more adept, consult your healthcare team about learning carbohydrate counting and adjusting meal-time insulin doses based on what you plan to eat. This will enable you to eat a variety of meals more confidently. A dietitian can provide tailored guidance to enhance your confidence in managing a diverse diet.
Receiving a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes can be mentally challenging. It's essential to approach this period with self-compassion.
Be kind to yourself. Remember, Type 1 Diabetes is not a result of personal lifestyle or habits. Avoid self-blame and focus on proactive management of the condition.
Be hopeful for the future. While it may seem daunting initially, it is possible to lead a full and active life with Type 1 Diabetes. Embrace a hopeful outlook for the future.
Know that you are not alone in this journey. Reach out for support from your loved ones and friends. Additionally, connecting with local communities such as typeone.sg allows you to meet others living with Type 1 Diabetes in Singapore.
For those who require further assistance, professional support is available. Your healthcare team at NUH can guide you to the appropriate resources.
