The literal Greek root translation of the word Diabetes is “sweet urine”. Why? Because back in the day, to test if you had diabetes, doctors would taste a patient’s urine to see if it tasted sweet. Why?

If your body isn’t making insulin, sugars can’t be used for fuel, which means that sugar just sits in your bloodstream (this creates high blood sugar). Now, when you have high blood sugar, the body sends a signal to your kidneys to try to filter out that sugar by peeing it out. Which makes…

“Sweet Urine”

Type 1 is often diagnosed in children but can be triggered as an adult. It is caused by an autoimmune disease against insulin-producing cells. This means, Type 1 Diabetics no longer produce insulin. Treatment must include insulin, as the body no longer produces it.

Type 2 is often diagnosed in adults. They can still produce insulin but developments occur where they don’t respond to insulin any longer. Treatment includes a better diet, exercise, medications.

The body produces insulin naturally to convert carbohydrates & sugars into glucose which your body & brain uses for energy. When the body doesn’t make insulin, those carbohydrates & sugars can’t get turned into glucose (energy). This means those sugars stay in your bloodstream & your body is starved of energy.

Nope! Type 1 Diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar, it is an autoimmune disease.

Unfortunately, anybody. The autoimmune disease can be triggered by a number of factors including family genes, stress, or a compromised immune system from an illness like the flu or Covid-19.

Before the discovery of Insulin, doctors usually gave patients 1 year to live.

Today, with new proper education, insulin, & blood glucose monitors, diabetics can live full, healthy lives.

By injection from either a pre-filled insulin pen needle or pump. Diabetics usually have to inject insulin with meals, bed, & activities (averaging 3-5 times per day).

The healthiest! Managing Type 1 is all about daily activity, a healthy diet, & lowering stress levels.

There is an all Type 1 Diabetic pro world tour cycling team even! CHECK IT OUT

There are many devices to track your blood sugar from traditional pricking your finger with a blood glucose meter to using continuous glucose monitor wearables. The Pretty Sweet founder loves using the Dexcom G6 CGM (continuous glucose monitor).

You sure can! One step in balancing a diabetic’s blood sugar is by injecting the correct ratio of insulin (x) per amount of carbohydrates (y) consumed. When you get that ratio correct, a diabetic’s blood sugar won’t spike when eating carbs/sugars.

Unmanaged or poorly managed diabetes can lead to a whole host of health issues. A few examples are, losing eyesight, kidney failure, heart disease, liver failure, and loss of circulation which can lead to amputation in extreme cases. Ultimately, unmanaged diabetes leads to death.

Anything! Though, managing T1D effectively requires subtle dietary changes to avoid blood sugar spikes. ie, eating complex carbs instead of simple sugars.

Yes. There are two main types of insulin, Basal & Bolus.

Bolus insulin is a fast-acting insulin that a diabetic might take before say, eating.

Basal insulin is a long-acting insulin that a diabetic might take before bed to help blood sugars while sleeping.

Outdated thoughts say that Type 1 Diabetics need to eat a low carb, high-fat diet to maintain blood sugars. True, eating a low-carb diet will not spike your blood sugars in the short term. BUT in the long run, those high fats can cause heart disease & a whole host of cardiovascular problems down the road.

The best diet for a Type 1 diabetic is rich in fruits, vegetables, and complex carbs, just like non-diabetics. T1D’s have an additional step by incorporating insulin in their diet to keep their blood sugars in range.

Generally, type 1 diabetics try to keep their glucose levels between 80-180. Wearable continuous glucose monitors help tell what percentage of their day/month/year is spent within *range.

*Ranges vary among individuals & should be set with the help of an Endocrinologist.

By donating your time, money, or services to the Pretty Sweet Foundation we can get affordable insulin in the hands of those in need. Find out more HERE.