Maintain control of Type 1 Diabetes can be more challenging on busy days, when routine goes off track and meals or glucose measurements can be set aside. However, with some practical strategies, it is possible to manage diabetes efficiently, even on the busiest days. Let's explore how to do this.
The best way to avoid problems on busy days is to have a action plan anticipated. If you already know that you will have a busy day, take a few minutes to organize necessary supplies. This includes preparing a monitoring kit portable, with the glucose meter, insulin, test strips and a quick snack. If you use a CGM, make sure it is working properly and charged.
Also, plan your snacks and meals. When the day is busiest, it can be easy to skip meals or choose inappropriate foods out of convenience. To avoid this, bring healthy snacks, such as oilseeds, fruits, or cereal bars, that help keep blood glucose stable.
Planning also means being prepared for Adjust insulin in situations involving more stress or unexpected physical activities. Talk to your doctor about how to make these adjustments as needed.
Even on a busy day, it's essential to keep your blood glucose under control. Define Reminders on the cell phone to measure glucose at regular intervals, especially before meals and after activities that may alter glucose levels, such as exercise or stressful meetings.
If you are in a work environment, always have your monitoring kit. If you use a CGM, take advantage of the convenience of continuous reading, but don't forget to check the data regularly and adjust your insulin as needed.
Taking short breaks to monitor your glucose levels can prevent episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia and ensure that you're in control, even on the busiest of days.
Busy days often lead to inadequate nutrition or to skip meals, which can destabilize blood glucose. To avoid this, always have healthy snacks ready, such as low-glycemic fruits, natural yogurt or nuts.
At lunchtime, opt for meals rich in lean proteins and complex carbohydrates, which help keep blood glucose stable for longer. Avoid foods high in sugar or refined carbohydrates, which can cause glucose spikes followed by abrupt drops.
If you need to eat out, choose restaurants that offer healthier options, and adjust your insulin according to the meal you eat.
Even with careful planning, busy days can be unpredictable, and it's important to be prepared for glycemic emergencies. Always have it at hand fast-acting carbohydrates, such as box juice or glucose gels, to treat hypoglycaemia quickly.
Also, educate friends or co-workers about your condition and what they should do if you have a hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic crisis. This provides extra security and ensures that you get quick help if you need it.
