K.N.O.W. Home Health - DIABETES TYPE 1

DIABETES TYPE 1

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a disease that affects how your body uses sugar for energy. Your body needs a hormone called insulin to help sugar (called glucose) get into your cells. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not make insulin because the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make it.

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes

Doctors are not exactly sure why people get type 1 diabetes. It may be caused by:

The immune system attacking healthy cells in the pancreas
Family history (genetics)
Possibly viruses or other unknown reasons

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

Feeling very thirsty
Urinating (peeing) a lot
Feeling very hungry, even after eating
Losing weight without trying
Feeling tired or weak
Blurry vision
Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting (if blood sugar is too high)

Special Diet for Type 1 Diabetes

Eat regular meals and snacks to keep blood sugar steady
Choose healthy foods: fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
Avoid foods high in sugar and processed carbs (like candy, soda, white bread)
Count carbohydrates to help match insulin to the food you eat

Special Precautions and Considerations

Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor says
Take insulin as prescribed — do not skip doses
Learn the signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Always carry a quick sugar snack (like juice or glucose tablets) in case your sugar gets too low
Wear a medical ID that says you have type 1 diabetes
Stay active and drink plenty of water

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if:

Your blood sugar is often too high or too low
You are feeling very tired or confused
You are sick and can't keep food or fluids down
You have questions about your insulin, diet, or symptoms

When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

Call 911 or go to the ER if:

You pass out or have a seizure
You are having trouble breathing
You are vomiting and can't keep fluids down
You have signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): fast breathing, fruity-smelling breath, confusion, or stomach pain

Important Information

Type 1 diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be managed with insulin, a healthy lifestyle, and support. Many people with type 1 diabetes live full and healthy lives by learning how to take care of themselves every day.

Patient Homework/Assessment– True or False (1–20)

Choose either TRUE or FALSE for each of the following:Please correct all False Statements

True or False: Type 1 diabetes happens when the body makes too much insulin.
True or False: Insulin helps sugar get into your body’s cells for energy.
True or False: People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day.
True or False: Feeling thirsty and peeing a lot are signs of type 1 diabetes.
True or False: You should skip meals to keep blood sugar low.
True or False: It's okay to stop taking insulin if your blood sugar is normal for a few days.
True or False: You should call 911 if someone with diabetes passes out.
True or False: Healthy eating and regular meals help manage diabetes.
True or False: Type 1 diabetes can be cured with diet and exercise alone.
True or False: You should call your doctor if your blood sugar is too high or too low often.
True or False: High blood sugar can cause you to feel sleepy, thirsty, or sick.
True or False: You should carry a sugar snack in case your blood sugar gets too low.
True or False: You should wear a medical ID if you have type 1 diabetes.
True or False: Drinking soda and eating candy helps keep your blood sugar balanced.
True or False: People with type 1 diabetes may lose weight without trying.
True or False: You can take extra insulin without asking your doctor.
True or False: Blurry vision can be a symptom of type 1 diabetes.
True or False: Type 1 diabetes is the same as type 2 diabetes.
True or False: It’s important to check blood sugar levels regularly.
True or False: You should talk to your nurse or doctor if you feel confused or weak.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:

Have you noticed increased thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue recently?

Activity Impact/SAFETY:

Do you experience low blood sugar symptoms (shakiness, sweating, dizziness) during daily activities, and do you know how to safely manage them?

Treatment Adherence:

Are you checking your blood sugar as often as recommended and taking your insulin exactly as prescribed?

Preventive Measures:

Are you following a meal plan, monitoring your carbohydrate intake, and taking steps to prevent complications like foot problems or vision changes?

Answer Key with Reasoning

False – Type 1 diabetes happens when the body does not make insulin, not too much.
True – Insulin helps sugar (glucose) get into cells for energy.
True – People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day because their body doesn’t make it.
True – These are common early signs of type 1 diabetes.
False – Skipping meals can cause low blood sugar, which is dangerous.
False – Never stop insulin without your doctor’s advice, even if sugar seems normal.
True – Passing out could be a sign of severe low or high blood sugar, which is an emergency.
True – Healthy eating helps keep blood sugar levels in a safe range.
False – Type 1 diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be managed.
True – You should report frequent blood sugar problems to your doctor.
True – These are signs of high blood sugar.
True – Quick sugar snacks can prevent or treat low blood sugar.
True – A medical ID helps others know you have diabetes in an emergency.
False – Candy and soda can cause blood sugar spikes, not balance it.
True – Sudden weight loss can be a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes.
False – Taking extra insulin without direction can be very dangerous.
True – Blurry vision is a common symptom of high blood sugar.
False – Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different diseases.
True – Checking blood sugar helps keep you safe and your diabetes under control.
True – Feeling weak or confused could mean blood sugar is too low or too high, and you should tell your nurse or doctor.