The carbohydrate we eat in our diet is digested into glucose, which is used by our bodies as a fuel for energy. The pancreas is a gland just behind our stomach that produces a hormone called insulin. The role of insulin is to allow glucose to effectively enter the cells of the body. Diabetes is a life-long condition in which the glucose levels in the blood are too high because the body cannot use it properly. The main aim of diabetes treatment is to keep blood glucose levels within the normal or near-normal range in order to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, eye and kidney problems. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes develops because the pancreas does not produce any insulin. It can be diagnosed at any age, but it usually appears before the age of 40. It is mainly treated by daily insulin injections adjusted to match carbohydrate intake. There are various types of insulin available and the diabetes team tailors the insulin regimen to each individual’s needs. The type and amount of insulin required may vary each day, depending on the amount of carbohydrate consumed and activity levels. Most people usually take 2-4 insulin injections daily. A healthy diet and regular physical activity are also vital in the management of type 1 diabetes. It is important for people with type 1 diabetes to have an understanding of the amount of carbohydrate in the food they consume in order to adjust insulin doses accordingly. Usually, one unit of insulin is required for 10g of carbohydrate or 1 Carbohydrate Portion (CP). The Carbs & Cals book can be a useful resource by helping with carbohydrate counting.
Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1 diabetes and it develops when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the insulin produced does not work properly (insulin resistance). It is often associated with obesity and usually occurs after the age of 40, although it is increasingly becoming more common in younger people. If diagnosed early, it can be treated with a healthy diet and physical activity only. It is, however, a progressive condition and medication and/or insulin is often required. Good knowledge of the carbohydrate and calorie content of foods can be useful in keeping blood glucose levels within the normal range, preventing weight gain and inducing weight loss.
