Taking Control of Diabetes

Taking Control of Diabetes 

Diabetes can bring about many changes, but the most important thing to remember is that you are in control! Making small changes in the way you manage diabetes and how you eat and live can bring about a healthier future.


Having a sick day? Illness, such as a cold or flu, can cause serious problems with your diabetes control. Because everyone reacts differently to illness, talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about the best ways to manage your diabetes when you are sick. Here are some general guidelines: 

• Always take your diabetes medication, even if you are not eating. Check the dosage with your doctor. 
  
• Check your temperature four times a day.
  
• Drink plenty of calorie-free liquids (8 to 12 ounces per hour).
  
• Check your blood glucose every four to six hours and record results.
  
• If you can't eat your meals, drink regular liquids (with sugar) and try eating crackers, toast, soup, hot cereal, juices, milk, eggs, etc. 
  

How to care for your feet? Your feet need special attention because diabetes can reduce the body's ability to sense problems. By checking your feet daily, you can detect blisters, calluses or cuts and act to prevent bugger problems. Follow these guidelines for healthy feet:

• Wash your feet every day. Dry them, even between toes.
  
• Get your feet checked at every doctor's visit.
  
• See a foot doctor for nail and foot care.
• Inspect feet daily - especially between toes.
  
• File nails - do not cut them.
  
• Treat infections or sores right away. 
  
• Protect feet from injury - do not go barefoot.
  
• Wear proper fitting shoes. 
  
• Exercise feet, ankles and legs.
  
• If you can't see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or have someone check them for you.
  
• Do not wear shoes without socks. Wear cotton socks.
  
• Do not use inserts or pads.
  
• Avoid pointed or open-toe shoes.
  

Daily Monitoring 


You are the person making decisions about your health on a daily basis. Monitoring is the key to staying in control. Checking glucose levels allows you to:

• Detect problems before they get out of hand.
  
• Determine where changes in your diabetes plan are needed.
  
• Determine if how you feel is because of high or low blood glucose levels.
  
• See the effect of food or activity on glucose levels. 
  

Check your blood sugar more often when: 

• You are sick.
  
• There are changes in your treatment program, activity or food intake.
  
• Glucose values are outside of the desired range.
  
• There are many high or low blood glucose levels.
  

Exercise 


There is no big secret to getting in shape. But there are some things you should know that can make it easier. There are several benefits of regular exercising including that it- 

• Relieves tension and stress.
  
• Reduces body fat.
  
• Controls your appetite.
  
• Improves muscle tone and strength.
  
• Helps lower glucose levels. 
  
• Lowers blood pressure.
  

REMEMBER TO CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM! 


Know Your Target Values 


The HbA1c is a blood test done in the lab that averages all the glucose levels in your body over the past two to three months. Together with a record of your daily glucose levels, you and your doctor will be able to see how well your overall treatment plan is working and where changes are needed.


Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to keep a track of your daily glucose levels.


It is important to know what you are working so hard to achieve. Discuss what your glycohemoglobin and glucose levels should be most of the time with your diabetes doctor.


Making Sense of Those Blood Glucose Readings 


To be in charge of your diabetes, you need to know how to respond to your glucose results. Try these steps:

• Know your target glucose levels.
  
• Monitor glucose levels for three to four days in a row.
  
• Look for a pattern of glucose levels.
  
• If they are higher or lower than target, determine which factors are responsible for the patterns.
  
• If patterns are outside your desired range and you do not know what to do, call someone.
  
• DO NOT ignore your results!
  

Prevention 


Make sure you're doing all you can to prevent health problems later! During each visit, discuss the following points with your Diabetes Team or Doctor: 

• Glucose goals.
  
• Meal plans. 
  
• Activity program.
  
• Glucose testing schedule.
  
• Treatment of high and low blood glucose levels.
  
• Changes in medication.
  
• Birth control (if applicable)
  

Your Annual Review

At least once a year, be sure to have these tests: 

• Kidney function: Protein may signal that your kidneys are not working properly. 
  
• Blood fats: Cholesterol and triglycerides tell you about your risk for developing or worsening heart disease.
  
• Eye exam by an eye doctor specializing in diabetics: Early detection and the proper treatment does make a difference. 
  
• Blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the chances for all the diabetes health problems.
  
• Blood flow and nerve check of the feet: Your feet are the only ones that you have! Protect and treat them with tender loving care. 
  

Coping Strategies


Research shows the coping strategies can help people stay healthy. See if you can work some of these ideas into your own routine:

• Take time each day to relax.
  
• Focus on your positive qualities.
  
• Maintain a good support system - including friends, family and pets.
  
• Use humour and laughter to ease stressful times.
  
• Give yourself a positive "self" message every day.