#type 1 life

[uniquesweetssublime]

Foods with Minimal Impact on Blood Sugar Levels: What You Need to Know

For individuals managing diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels stable is a daily challenge. While most foods have some impact on blood sugar, there are certain foods that have little to no effect, making them excellent choices for those looking to maintain stable glucose levels. These foods are typically low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Here are some examples of foods that can be consumed with minimal impact on blood sugar levels.

1. Non-Starchy Vegetables

Examples:

Spinach

Kale

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Zucchini

Bell peppers

Cucumbers

Why They’re Great: Non-starchy vegetables are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, which means they have a negligible effect on blood sugar levels. They are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health.

How to Include Them:

Add a variety of non-starchy vegetables to salads.

Steam, roast, or stir-fry them as side dishes.

Use them as a base for soups and stews.

2. Leafy Greens

Examples:

Lettuce

Arugula

Swiss chard

Collard greens

Why They’re Great: Leafy greens are extremely low in carbs and high in essential nutrients. They can be eaten in large quantities without significantly affecting blood sugar levels.

How to Include Them:

Make a big salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.

Use leafy greens as a wrap for sandwiches instead of bread.

Sauté greens with garlic and olive oil for a quick side dish.

3. Proteins

Examples:

Chicken

Turkey

Pork

Fish

Eggs

Tofu

Why They’re Great: Proteins have minimal impact on blood sugar levels because they do not contain carbohydrates. They are essential for building and repairing tissues and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

How to Include Them:

Grill, bake, or broil meats and fish.

Include eggs in your breakfast routine.

Add tofu to stir-fries or salads for a plant-based protein option.

4. Healthy Fats

Examples:

Avocados

Olive oil

Coconut oil

Nuts and seeds

Nut butters

Why They’re Great: Healthy fats have no direct impact on blood sugar levels and can help slow the absorption of carbohydrates when eaten together, thus preventing spikes in blood sugar. They also provide essential fatty acids and support overall health.

How to Include Them:

Add avocado slices to salads and sandwiches.

Use olive oil for cooking and in salad dressings.

Snack on a small handful of nuts or seeds.

Spread nut butter on celery sticks or apple slices.

5. Low-Carb Beverages

Examples:

Water

Unsweetened tea

Black coffee

Sparkling water

Why They’re Great: These beverages contain little to no carbohydrates and therefore have no effect on blood sugar levels. Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and can help manage hunger.

How to Include Them:

Drink water throughout the day.

Enjoy unsweetened herbal or green tea for a flavored option.

Have a cup of black coffee in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Conclusion

Incorporating these foods into your diet can help you maintain stable blood sugar levels and support overall health. Non-starchy vegetables, leafy greens, proteins, healthy fats, and low-carb beverages are all excellent choices that have minimal impact on blood sugar. Always consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian to ensure that your diet meets your individual health needs and goals. By making mindful food choices, you can better manage your diabetes and enjoy a varied and satisfying diet.

[liebermintz]

a peculiar comorbidity, part three

And to close this off, I want healthcare providers to do a few things. There are going to be a lot more cases like me. There are people out there who are fucking struggling. In fact, I'm sure most of the diabetes-related suicides out there were from late-in-life diabetics with an autism comorbidity. this shit isn't easy to deal with, especially when your comforts are now lethal. and it's not like you can just say "well, don't do it." do you have any idea how super-ingrained these comforts, these stims, these safe foods are to an autistic person? they run deep. and they run deep even when you're a kid. it's the main reason why applied behavior analysis is straight-up considered psychological torture in the autistic community - people suggest that just to rip an autistic person away from bad actions, only to realize way too late they're making them miserable. and right now, I'm going through one hell of an ABA session, only that it's my fucking pancreas that's playing pretend-psychiatrist. combine that with the "gotta keep you alive no matter what" mindset of every type 1 resource, endocrinologists, diabetes educators, and PCPs and you have yourself a system that is designed to kill neurodivergent late-in-life diabetics in a short amount of time. in a way, it's genocide. you're getting rid of one group of people in order to not have to deal with them down the line. in another way, it's a form of eugenics since it's designed to weed out the undesirables from the health pool, so they can take their time delaying closed artificial pancreas loops, fool-proof insertion kits that can't be ripped out during sleep or strenuous activity, 10/20-minute-peak insulins with two-hour total lifespan, seven-day patch pumps, stuff that doesn't exactly benefit a neurotypical diabetic at the moment since they're easily adaptable (plus there's this dogged "can't teach an old dog new tricks" mindset you see a lot in diabetic circles) but benefits a neurodivergent diabetic who has way more to worry about than high and low blood sugars. the healthcare industry doesn't give a shit about me. in fact, i'm pretty sure it wants me to die either by my own hand or by theirs.

but here I am, asshole. and here's my final demand: I want Tzield to be approved for honeymooning patients NOW.

I want late-in-life diabetics (priority going to those with neurodivergences) to automatically be added to pancreas and islet cell transplant lists upon diagnosis. you will see significantly less suicides, less deaths, less eugenics, less murder, less mistakes, less meltdowns, less burnout - if you let them on those lists and not just relegated those to life-long diabetics whose organs are starting to crap out on them.

I want all next-gen ultra-rapid-acting insulins to be released now. again, they're just Humalog with more shit.

I want insulin to be totally free. Forever.

I want, upon diagnosis, all diabetics to receive lifelong healthcare from the government, even after remission and surgical intervention. In fact, I want all healthcare to be free.

I want all clinicals for stem-cell effective-cures to widen their criteria to include cases like mine that are way more susceptible to early-onset DKA and euglycemic DKA. those are as lethal as severe hypoglycemic events, but you just wanna blame DKA on not having enough insulin in your system. that way, you can see if stuff like VX-880 and VX-264 have an Awakenings effect (works for a bit before it stops working) or if manages to stick around for longer. I want all clinicals for immunotherapies to have their ages expanded to 35.

And I want Beyond Type 1 to publish all three of my posts - uncensored - on their website if they ever run into it. No edits save for some basic proofreading.

Anything else is genocide.

[t1d-culture-is]

T1D culture is...

not being able to leave unless you have a big-ass bag with all the things you need.

[fangirling-throughlife]

Type 1 is an insane illness. I've been feeling off all morning. I figured it was jitters because I'm leaving on holiday this afternoon and I'm still working and left literally a half-an-hour margin for a possible catastrophe, or because last year I thought I was going to be moving by this week and I'm stuck in the same job, or because my aunt made me remember all the failures of my life (which I always have to remind myself aren't failures, because I made it out in one piece, which is saying a lot). I'm bone-deep exhausted, I've got an intermittent headache, it feels as if my brain is filled with cotton, I desperately want to cry, I'm hungry but nothing sounds appealing, I could be finishing packing for tonight because it's slow at work but I don't have the energy or motivation... Everything is wrong, basically. I was wondering if my depression has just got to an entirely new level.

My BG is low. That's it. And I didn't really see it coming, because I'm so tired and anxious anyway.

Stupid-ass illness.

[minimallycreative]

absolutely fucking thriving out here

(my blood sugar has not come below 200 all day and i just want ice cream; it's hot and i want a little treat)

[unityghost]

Usually I am a patient person but sometimes

[uniquesweetssublime]

What Food Should a Diabetic Patient Eat, and What Food Should Be Avoided?

Managing diabetes effectively requires careful attention to diet. Making informed food choices can help maintain blood sugar levels, support overall health, and prevent complications. This blog outlines the foods that diabetic patients should eat and those they should avoid to manage their condition optimally.

Foods Diabetic Patients Should Eat

1. Non-Starchy Vegetables

Non-starchy vegetables are low in calories and carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for diabetics. They are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Examples: Leafy greens (spinach, kale), broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini.

2. Whole Grains

Whole grains have a lower glycemic index compared to refined grains, meaning they cause a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar levels.

Examples: Oats, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat, barley, and bulgur.

3. Lean Proteins

Proteins help in stabilizing blood sugar levels and keeping you full for longer periods. Choose lean sources to reduce the intake of unhealthy fats.

Examples: Skinless chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, legumes (beans, lentils), and low-fat dairy products (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese).

4. Healthy Fats

Incorporating healthy fats can improve heart health, which is crucial for diabetics. These fats should be consumed in moderation.

Examples: Avocados, nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (chia, flaxseeds), olive oil, and fatty fish (salmon, mackerel).

5. Fruits with Low Glycemic Index

Fruits can be part of a diabetic diet if chosen wisely. Opt for fruits with a low glycemic index to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.

Examples: Berries (strawberries, blueberries), apples, pears, oranges, and peaches.

6. High-Fiber Foods

Fiber slows down the absorption of sugar and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Aim to include both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet.

Examples: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts.

Foods Diabetic Patients Should Avoid

1. Sugary Beverages

Sugary drinks cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels and provide little to no nutritional value.

Examples: Sodas, fruit juices, sweetened coffee and tea, energy drinks, and flavored waters.

2. Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbs are quickly digested and converted into sugar, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Examples: White bread, white rice, pastries, candies, and most packaged snack foods.

3. Trans Fats

Trans fats can increase the risk of heart disease and should be avoided, especially for diabetics who are already at a higher risk for cardiovascular issues.

Examples: Margarine, fried foods, and many commercially baked goods like cookies and pastries.

4. Processed Meats

Processed meats are high in sodium and unhealthy fats, which can negatively impact blood sugar control and heart health.

Examples: Bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats.

5. High-Sugar Foods

Foods high in sugar can cause significant blood sugar spikes and should be limited or avoided.

Examples: Candy, cakes, cookies, ice cream, and sugary cereals.

6. High-Sodium Foods

Excess sodium can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is a concern for diabetics.

Examples: Processed foods, canned soups, salty snacks, and restaurant or fast food.

Tips for Healthy Eating with Diabetes

Portion Control: Even healthy foods can affect blood sugar if eaten in large quantities. Monitor portion sizes to manage your carbohydrate intake.

Regular Meals: Eating at regular intervals helps maintain steady blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports overall health and can help control blood sugar levels.

Monitor Blood Sugar: Keep track of your blood sugar levels to understand how different foods affect your body.

Consult a Dietitian: A registered dietitian can provide personalized advice and help you create a meal plan that meets your nutritional needs.

Conclusion

Managing diabetes through diet involves choosing foods that stabilize blood sugar levels and support overall health while avoiding those that cause spikes. Non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and low-glycemic fruits should be staples in a diabetic’s diet. Conversely, sugary beverages, refined carbs, trans fats, processed meats, high-sugar foods, and high-sodium foods should be limited or avoided. By making informed food choices and following healthy eating habits, diabetics can effectively manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

[liebermintz]

a peculiar comorbidity, part two

i'm experiencing a diabetes-associated autistic meltdown. and it's not pretty. it's made me develop a really bad relationship with food, a massive fear of it. it makes me doomscroll on Beyond Type 1, on Twitter, on Reddit, just to find some glimmer of hope. It makes me panic-message my endocrinologist if I stay elevated at 220 for like two hours - I was between 200-270 mg/dL when I developed ketoacidosis symptoms, I can feel my heart pound in my chest at 250 mg/dL, I develop ketones within an hour of staying out of range. and yet her biggest concern is the fact that I kinda have to bend over backwards to wrap my life around this autoimmune disorder, to get really tight control and stay out of highs (but ultimately be more susceptible to lows - which are not good at all, since I am mostly hypoglycemic unaware) in fear that I will have to be charged to the hospital later that night. my body works really fucking weird - like, Nick Jonas had to have a blood sugar of 700 mg/dL just to get admitted for DKA in the middle of recording It's About Time. most T1D diagnosis stories share the same thing. the closest diagnosis story I can compare mine to is maybe a few LADA stories - but LADA cases always start out mimicking type 2 diabetes, which I could've been well in danger of developing because of an astoundingly bad fast-food-heavy diet (three times a day when I was working at the bookstore, IIRC - binge-eating during the bookstore closure). it takes YEARS for a LADA case to really show its true colors. mine took two months. I'm gonna try to get my C-peptides tested again - and if they're still 0.9 (just slightly under range) after three months of a raging autoantibody reaction, then I know there's more to me than "body attacks body." i'm hoping they are. that means I could benefit from Tzield - if they ever approve it for people like me. every few weeks or so I have diabetes burnout so horrible that it intermingles with the meltdown and, combined with whether or not the sun's outside, puts me in a really bad mental spot. and you wanna know how bad it gets? you really want to know? well, let me put it like this, to quote Kid Cudi's weird grunge album: "I hate the gun, but I love the sun." From "Confused!" - from Kid Cudi, whose big shtick is that he's REALLY honest about his struggles with suicidal ideation. that specific line is about how he really does not want to kill himself, but he DESPERATELY wants peace of mind. usually, when it comes to suicide, nobody talks about it or, if you do, people just lock you up and throw away the key. i have worsening suicidal ideation because of this comorbidity. Nick Jonas thinks the worst he has to deal with is that he can't eat pizza super-libertine anymore or that he might get shaky enough to chug an apple juice in the middle of singing "Waffle House" during a show? imagine being afraid of all your safe foods because if you take too little insulin, you're in the hospital for DKA later that day because elevated sugars hit you way harder than everybody else, and your entire medical team (but specifically your educator and endo) will tell you "don't eat that anymore, don't eat that anymore" because they don't get the fucking memo despite you not making eye contact with them at all, despite having the monotone voice, despite occasionally stimming since I can't keep my guard up at all times - they think that as long you don't look like the Rain Man, counting cards in a suit from Armani and underwear from K-Mart, you're not autistic.

do I HAVE to whip out my diagnosis and observation papers from 1994 to 2005 just for them to get the idea of why I'm desperate for the long game to be a relatively short game? I get that this shit's gonna last a while, but when I say I can't live the rest of my life with this, I really can't. the average life expectancy of an autistic person is, what, 51? well, you just cut my life expectancy down to, maybe, 45 since I am way more prone to distress and burnout. all the type 1 resources, both by type 1s and medical organizations, have been tailored for neurotypical type 1s or type 1s with way lighter neurodivergences, for neurodivergent kids who've always had diabetes so the cormorbidity isn't bad (so they can still freely determine their safe foods). this is why I want to get on Tzield now - I want to prove that the PROTECT Study is worth its weight in gold. I want more clinicals near me to widen their eligibility for me - to not have the cutoff age be 30. I want Novo Nordisk and Sanofi and Eli Lilly to end the price-gouging of insulin either through extreme government intervention or by making insulin totally free. forever.

[zardecil]

When you're type 1 diabetic, and you have a wound that bleeds:

"Oh, I guess I should check my blood sugar while it's convenient."

[t1d-culture-is]

welcome to the blog!!

this is a blog inspired by other of similar name (for example @bpd-culture-is and @ocd-culture-is, among many others) and servers a similar purpose to those! sharing experiences related to Type 1 Diabetes.

i thought of making this because I noticed we don't have anything similar. so why not! we also deserve a space.

as any other culture blog, you choose to send your ask anonymously or not, and you may phrased it as follows:

* "T1D / Type 1 / Diabetes culture is [...]"

* "T1D / Type 1 / Diabetes and ___ culture is [...]"

* and anything else as longs as it talks about your own diabetes experience! some might relate to it!

* this blog has no DNI whatsoever, but I have the right to block anyone who makes me uncomfortable.

submissions are now: OPEN! thank you for reading.

[fangirling-throughlife]

My blood sugar is on the lower side of the optimal range most of the time now that I've started to work out regularly, and while I know that this is temporary, that if I keep up I will both need less basal insulin and the post-workout hypo's will be less frequent and less severe, I now remember why I've given up every time I've started working out again since I was 15. And I can't wait till the hypo thing is solved, because as much as I enjoy being able to listen to podcasts while I take brisk-to-fast walks (which I can't do when I'm still, and if I'm doing chores, the noise is too much to concentrate), swimming is and has always been my sport, and I had to quit because of severe hypoglycemia that kept my parents up every night (including last time I tried when I was 20).

[charzmander]

So about a week ago I spotted a place that sells patches to help keep CGM sensors adhered for longer and I thought I'd get a few to see how they go. I have a problem with mine getting ripped off by my backpack vacuum straps at work, or wall corners attacking me, or just sweating off during summer.

There are some cool as shit designs on this site, and if you're Australian it's even better since they're an Aussie site.

Once I get them I'll post updates ✌️

[thewickedonee]

I woke up this morning my blood sugar was over 400 I tried to correct it with insulin and I went out for an hour and a half walk with my dog when we were almost home I started to feel awful like I'm going to faint so I checked my blood sugar and it was 48 I obviously gave too much insulin so I started to eat and my blood sugar went up veeery slowly but I still feel awful. Has anyone been through this before ? I have so many questions

[uniquesweetssublime]

Revolutionizing Diabetes Management: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in Real-Time

Living with diabetes involves a delicate balance of monitoring blood sugar levels, making informed decisions about food and insulin, and navigating the highs and lows of glucose fluctuations. Traditional methods of glucose monitoring, such as fingerstick testing, provide snapshots of blood sugar levels at specific moments in time. However, advancements in technology have ushered in a new era of diabetes management with Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems offering real-time insights into blood sugar levels. In this blog, we'll explore the transformative impact of CGM technology on diabetes management and its benefits for individuals living with the condition.

Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM):

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a cutting-edge technology that enables individuals with diabetes to track their blood sugar levels continuously throughout the day and night. CGM systems consist of a tiny sensor inserted under the skin, typically on the abdomen or arm, which continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. This sensor communicates wirelessly with a receiver or smartphone, providing real-time data on blood sugar trends, patterns, and fluctuations.

The Benefits of Real-Time CGM:

Improved Glucose Control: Real-time CGM empowers individuals with diabetes to make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and insulin dosing, based on real-time glucose data. This proactive approach can lead to better glucose control, reduced risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and minimized episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Early Detection of Trends: CGM technology allows users to detect trends and patterns in their blood sugar levels, such as post-meal spikes or overnight lows, that may not be apparent with traditional fingerstick testing. By identifying these trends early, individuals can take timely action to prevent blood sugar fluctuations and maintain optimal glucose levels.

Customized Alerts and Alarms: CGM systems can be programmed to provide customizable alerts and alarms for various glucose thresholds, such as high or low blood sugar levels. These alerts serve as valuable reminders for individuals to take corrective actions, such as adjusting insulin doses or consuming glucose to treat hypoglycemia, before serious complications occur.

Remote Monitoring and Sharing: Many CGM systems offer remote monitoring capabilities, allowing caregivers, family members, or healthcare providers to access real-time glucose data remotely. This feature is particularly beneficial for parents of children with diabetes or individuals who require support in managing their condition, fostering a sense of security and peace of mind.

Integration with Insulin Pumps: Some CGM systems can be integrated with insulin pumps, forming a closed-loop system known as Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) or Artificial Pancreas System. This advanced technology automatically adjusts insulin delivery based on real-time CGM data, mimicking the function of a healthy pancreas and optimizing glucose control.

Conclusion:

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in real-time represents a significant advancement in diabetes management, offering individuals with the condition greater insight, flexibility, and control over their blood sugar levels. By providing continuous, real-time data on glucose trends and patterns, CGM technology empowers users to make proactive decisions, optimize insulin therapy, and ultimately lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. As CGM technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, it holds the promise of transforming the landscape of diabetes care, bringing us closer to the goal of personalized, precision medicine for all individuals living with diabetes.

[beetusbritt]

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[supernaturaldawning]

Todays just one of those days 😮‍💨😮‍💨 I’m so tired and work was hectic again with so many calls and customers.

My sugar was super high all day and then dropped when I got off of work which was entirely frustrating