Julius Grennigloh has been living with type 1 diabetes for 5 years. In the interview he explains how a more conscious carbohydrate intake can make it easier to deal with hypoglycemia.
Mr. Grennigloh, how do you experience your everyday life as a type 1 diabetic?
Grennigloh: As an entrepreneur, I have the advantage of being able to organize my everyday life flexibly, which makes a lot of things easier. I don't see my diabetes as a limitation or burden, but as a challenge that can be mastered with the right tools, strategies and a little discipline.
What strategies or approaches are these?
Grennigloh: I recently got a smartwatch that is connected to my CGM system and shows my blood sugar. This makes a lot of things easier and relieves me of the burden because I don't have to carry my cell phone around with me all the time. Carrying products that quickly provide needed carbohydrates also ensures that I am prepared in every situation. Towards the evening I also try to eat fewer carbohydrates to avoid major blood sugar fluctuations at night.
How did you become aware of diabetes?
Grennigloh: I was working a lot at the time and thought the exhaustion came from the long hours. Even though I knew exactly the symptoms of type 1 diabetes - intense thirst, frequent urination, and general fatigue - I convinced myself that there was no way it could be diabetes. Unfortunately, when I did go to the doctor, I was proven wrong. The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes was a turning point, but in retrospect I'm glad I took action early.
How did you deal with the new situation immediately after the diagnosis?
Grennigloh: Shortly before the diagnosis, I had accepted a new job, which I was to start three months later - a responsible position that brought with it new requirements and differed in many aspects from my previous job. It was the worst possible time to learn how to deal with the disease at the same time.
On the first day, while I was being introduced to my new colleagues in a large group, the alarm from my CGM system went off loudly on my cell phone. I was brand new to the CGM system and wasn't familiar with it yet. I had to immediately learn to deal openly with the illness and insulin injections.
Looking back, it was a very intense time, but it showed me how much I can achieve when it counts.
Many diabetics turn to sweets to regulate their blood sugar levels. What do you value?
Grennigloh: It bothered me to always have to rely on something sweet when I had low blood sugar - especially in the middle of the night when I was already lying in bed with my teeth brushed and the alarm on my cell phone suddenly woke me up. Just as you don't quench your thirst exclusively with cola or juice, I also wanted to decide for myself when I tasted something and when I didn't. My dental health is also very important to me, which is why I was looking for an alternative that doesn't leave any sugar residue in my mouth. Saliva production, which normally neutralizes acids and washes away sugar residue, is greatly reduced during sleep, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum problems. That's exactly why I developed my own product - not only for insulin-dependent diabetics, but also for athletes and anyone who needs fast carbohydrates but prefers a tasteless alternative.
What effects do you feel from this?
Grennigloh: For me personally, the way I deal with hypoglycemia has changed significantly. I used to find it difficult to consume just the amount of carbohydrates needed to stabilize my blood sugar. This often resulted in my blood sugar being way too high and me consuming a lot of calories unnecessarily. I've now managed to take targeted countermeasures without further fueling the urge for sweets. This means I limit myself to the amount I really need, reduce blood sugar fluctuations and my calorie intake while improving my HbA1c.
What recommendations do you have for other diabetics?
Grennigloh: Not to let the diagnosis define you! Of course, accepting the diagnosis is a process that takes time and does not happen overnight. Diabetes means responsibility, but it is possible to lead a self-determined life. Modern aids can make everyday life much easier, and I recommend actively using these options. Without a CGM system, the illness would put a lot more strain on me and demand a lot more time and attention. The same applies to the topic of nutrition and blood sugar regulation. If you look into it more closely, you will find suitable dextrose products and alternatives to sweet snacks. It also helps to exchange ideas with other diabetics - you always learn new things and feel understood.
More about this: Why Hyporest?.
