What is a "normal" BG for a T1 Person?

(NaBloPoMo Day 6)

I often get asked what "normal" is when referring to The Superhero's Blood Glucose (BG). We strive to keep him between 80 and 120, but this is definitely a challenging task. There are SO many factors that go into what affects the blood sugar.

Food: Raises blood sugar, we try to balance the food intake with the insulin administered. Sometimes the food gets a head start and we end up with "high" numbers before the insulin can bring the BG down. Other times the insulin gets ahead of the food and we end up with "low" BG numbers.

Activity: Each and every activity, big or small, affects the blood sugar. Something else to take into account when thinking about trying to keep BG in range.

Stress: This is a huge factor as well. Stress from EVERYTHING can affect BG.

Weather: Change in weather temperatures has been known to affect BG for The Superhero as well.

Illness: Depending on the type of illness, we have seen highs and lows.

Growth: Every time The Superhero grows, at all, we see either highs or lows. Usually HIGHS for a few days first, then lows due to the changes we would have made for the highs that might be too much once the growing ceases.

These are just a few of the factors that CAN affect BG in a T1 person. I am sure there are more that I am not thinking of right now. Please feel free to add more when making a comment below.

Also, please remember NOT to judge a T1 person just because their BG might be higher or lower than "normal". We do EVERYTHING we can to keep in range, and even if we do it all "right" that DOES NOT mean it will actually work out!

Diabetes Fact #6: While people with T1 Diabetes strive for blood glucose (BG) numbers from 80-120, it is NOT uncommon to see numbers MUCH lower or MUCH higher. There are SO many factors that go into each number and it is very challenging to see readings that are “in range” for EVERY reading.

Diabetes Fact #5: Type 1 Diabetes strikes 15,000 children every year in the US. That's 40 children per day. On July 10, 2008 The Superhero was one of the 40. Today, it could be YOUR child, or someone you know. This is why it is SO important to take the time to learn about the disease.

Diabetes Fact #4: Type 1 Diabetics may take insulin through syringes, insulin pens, or insulin pumps. What they use is a reflection of their choice and/or finances, NOT disease severity.

Diabetes Fact #3: People with Diabetes CAN eat anything they want as long as they match the carbohydrates with insulin.

Diabetes Fact #2: T1 Diabetes is NOT caused by eating too much sugar or being over weight. It IS an autoimmune disease and cannot be prevented.

Diabetes Fact #1: T1 Diabetes CANNOT be treated with medication. The only way to manage T1 Diabetes is with insulin. Without insulin, T1 Diabetics would die. Period.

*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*