Do candy and alcohol need to be absolutely forbidden? Think again.
Dr. David Marrero was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 25 years old and began to be restricted from many activities. He believes that diabetes means restrictions on life, no more spontaneous eating plans, or random adventures.
At least that’s what Dr. Marrero thinks. Now that times have changed, most of the “absolutely forbidden” and undesirable things can now be done with moderation, close monitoring of blood glucose levels, and timely communication with your doctor.
“I want to be able to have a rich life. I can do that, but I have to think about it and get the rules,” said Marrero, president of the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Department of Health Care and Education.
Here are some things that patients think may need to be absolutely forbidden, but they are not.
Patients with diabetes can eat sweets appropriately
Patients can eat the occasional candy bar, but it’s important to figure out how much insulin is needed and then check blood sugar levels in case you need to adjust your insulin dose. When Marello tries a new food, he checks his blood glucose every 30 minutes for about 3 hours after the meal. The total amount of carbohydrates consumed during the meal needs to be monitored. If you choose to eat sweets, you can cut back on other carbohydrate-containing foods, such as bread or potatoes.
People with diabetes can drink alcohol appropriately
You can drink a beer, wine, or cocktail slowly with a meal. Be aware that drinking alcohol may cause hypoglycemia or severe hypoglycemic symptoms within 24 hours. Therefore, check your blood glucose levels before, during, and after drinking, including before you go to bed.
People with diabetes can exercise vigorously
People with type 1 diabetes have climbed Mount Everest, competed in triathlons and marathons. Marrero likes scuba diving, a sport once considered too dangerous for people with diabetes. “Exercise lowers blood sugar levels like insulin,” Marrero said, so patients sometimes need to supplement with sugar. For example, long-distance runners, who need to track their blood sugar levels to see how they fluctuate, use sports drinks, glucose gels or other fast-acting carbohydrates to replenish their sugar.
People with diabetes can get pregnant
You can work with your doctor to develop a preconception plan and tightly control your blood sugar before you get pregnant. High blood glucose levels are dangerous for the fetus, especially in early pregnancy (the first trimester). Before pregnancy, the target blood glucose range should be 60 to 119 mg/dl before meals and 100 to 149 mg/dl one hour after meals.
People with diabetes can work in transportation or law enforcement
People with diabetes can work in almost any job.
Other questions that people with diabetes need to consult with their doctor
People with diabetes can consult with their doctors about the following questions:
- What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
- What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
- What information should I know before taking on a new adventure, such as scuba diving or mountain climbing?
- How often should I check my blood sugar when exercising or participating in sports?
- Should I eat a snack before a workout?
- How should I change my insulin treatment plan if I want to get pregnant?