Quick Tips for Type 1 Diabetes

Installment #3

What follows is a quick and dirty list of my top of mind quick tips.

1. Beta-hydroxybutyrate is the primary ketone found in diabetic ketoacidosis.

2. Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by lack of insulin more than by overeating.

3. Nausea or vomiting suggests the need to check blood sugar and ketones.

4. Ketones can be checked in urine (about a 2 hour lag time) or blood (several minutes lag time).

5. Fat and protein slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar.

6. Sugar spills into urine when blood levels are greater than 180 mg/dl or higher.

7. Ketones are the result of fat being broken down for energy.

8. It takes one-tenth the amount of insulin to prevent ketones compared to lowering sugar levels.

9. If you lance your fingers, use the sides since they have fewer nerve endings than the pads. (image)

10. Let any alcohol on the fingers dry before lancing. If mixed with blood it lowers the meter results.

After reading through the list, how did your knowledge compare? As always if you any questions or have a quick tip that you would like to share please let me know in the comments section.