My name is Charles-Étienne, 24, and I've been a type 1 diabetic since the age of 9. Being a type 1 diabetic means I'm “insulin-dependent”, as opposed to type 2, which is managed with medication and sometimes insulin.
Living with diabetes means I have to manage my diet a lot more. It's a daily battle. Everything I eat has an impact on my blood sugar levels.
When I realized that diet was THE key to living well with diabetes, everything changed for me. Eating well means balancing carbohydrates, fibre and protein. I've got into the habit of eating at regular times, which helps enormously to stabilize my blood sugar levels. Since I switched from insulin pens to a pump, managing my diet has become much simpler, as my insulin intake automatically adapts to what I eat.
Incorporating protein into my meals helps me avoid hypoglycemia and stabilize my blood sugar levels.
I recommend it to everyone with diabetes! I've found that protein powder is particularly helpful after breakfast, which is often a critical time for me.
In fact, I have a very simple recipe that I make every morning! I add a portion of Nova Pharma's ISO (Cookies and Cream) to 150 g of 0% Greek yogurt, which provides a good dose of protein to stabilize my blood sugar levels. I add a few berries and a small amount of oatmeal. It's a meal that gives me a good start to the day without the risk of blood sugar spikes.
I've also developed a passion for creating gourmet recipes that seem sweet, but actually contain no added sugar. I use alternatives that allow me to enjoy desserts without impacting my blood sugar levels. This means I don't have to consume industrial sweets, and it's a way of continuing to enjoy myself while taking care of my health!
Carbohydrates are an essential part of any diet.
They give me the energy I need to train and have a good day, without risking hypoglycemia. Some diabetics prefer to eliminate carbohydrates for fear of hyperglycemia. Personally, I always eat a fixed number of carbohydrates at lunch and dinner. In my opinion, diabetics can eat whatever they want, it's just a question of making the RIGHT food choices.
Fifteen years later, I consider myself to be in very good health and those around me, including my doctor, constantly point this out to me.
Today, more than fifteen thousand people follow my journey, and many people write to me every day to share their experience of diabetes!
I no longer see this disease as a limitation, but as a strength that has driven me to take better care of myself and help others. If someone had told me in 2009 that this diagnosis would enable me to inspire others, I would never have believed it. My life didn't stop that day. On the contrary, it really began!
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