Often the focus is on type 2 diabetes in the community, but today our attention will be on type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an auto immune condition where the beta cells in the pancreas, which produce insulin, are destroyed by the body’s immune system.  Although there is currently no way to prevent or cure type 1 diabetes, it can be well managed through diet and exercise, leading to a happy and healthy life. 

The recommended blood glucose level (BGL) targets for an individual with type 1 diabetes:

A common misconception people have is that eating foods containing fat will make them gain weight. The reality is that high fat foods contain more calories per gram than carbohydrates or proteins. However, eating foods containing high amounts of fat does not automatically make you gain weight. Weight gain is a complex process which doesn't happen overnight. You need to be consistently eating more calories than what your body needs in order to put on weight. So, when you break it down you could gain weight by overdoing it on any type of food, whether that food contains high amounts of fat or not. 

Snacking can be a great way to increase your energy and protein consumption throughout the day, especially if you are failing to meet your requirements in just 3 meals per day. This can apply to a wide range of people from those wanting to gain weight for personal or medical reasons right through to those with chronic conditions that may impact on their ability to eat enough.

Why is Vitamin D so important?

Vitamin D plays a key role in bone health and is essential for the absorption of calcium to help strengthen our teeth and bones. It can also assist with healthy skin, muscle strength and enhancing the immune system. Low levels of vitamin D can increase our risk of osteoporosis, falls and bone fractures.