Type 1 Diabetes - Dr. Andzel | Type 1 Diabetes | Be Well Endocrinology and Functional Medicine

Type 1 Diabetes

There is no one best way for managing type 1 diabetes. As a person with type 1 diabetes, you want to stay informed and aware of available options. No one but you can decide which tools best fit your lifestyle and health goals.

Type1 Day1

You Just Found Out You Have Type 1 Diabetes?!

There is no one best way for managing type 1 diabetes. As a person with type 1 diabetes, you want to stay informed and aware of available options. No one but you can decide which tools best fit your lifestyle and goals.

I created a Facebook group to share information and updates on type 1 diabetes, as well as to connect others living with T1D. We have a monthly support group meeting with details posted online.

View Facebook Group

Madness: The Cost of Carb$

The diabetes solution – documentary

A documentary available on multiple streaming platforms.

BALANCING KEY FACTORS

NUTRITION / EXERCISE / INSULIN

It is impossible to achieve excellent glycemic control by addressing only one of these diabetes management tools.

One can have excellent technology and skills to optimize its use. But without eating right and taking the appropriate type of insulin, optimal results will not be achieved.

The same applies to exercise and diet. ALL THREE are needed to enjoy great results.

Depending on your life style and personal needs, you may emphasize one or two factors, but omit the third one.

For example,

By exercising more, you may be able to eat less restrictively.
Focusing on diet makes insulin delivery type less crucial.

How do you know if your approach to managing your diabetes is effective? Look at results. If your time in range (percent of time your blood glucose readings are within the normal range) is at goal levels, you have found what works. But diabetes needs can fluctuate and may require periodic reevaluation in order to optimize results.

WHAT WORKS FOR ME

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CGM

I started using a CGM in 2008. It changed my life. Knowing my glucose levels IS THE MOST IMPORTANT factor in effectively managing my diabetes.

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Insulin Pump

An insulin pump gives me the ability to set temporary basal rates and to administer frequent boluses. In 2018 I took a “pump vacation.” I enjoyed living my life with long acting insulin injections and inhaled Afrezza insulin to accompany meals and administer blood sugar corrections. It worked well for me at that time. I switched back to an insulin pump once looping became available.

9

Loop

I started a do-it-yourself LOOP with Omnipod in July 2019. It has definitively improved my time in range, and has made waking up with normal blood glucose levels almost every morning a reality.

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Exercise

Setting aside time for at least 30 minutes of moderate to high intensity exercise each day positively impacts my blood sugar levels.

9

Diet

I discovered the ketogenic life style in 2017. It changed my life. It took me from a roller coaster life of highs and lows, to living a normal life with stable blood glucose levels. After years of this life style, I don’t find it restrictive at all. It’s a choice I make every day, and in return I get great results.

9

Support

In 2011, 10+ years after my diagnosis, I discovered the power of connecting with other people living with type 1 diabetes. It truly changed my life. I learned more about how to live well with diabetes from people with type 1 than I learned from years of medical training I received.