Until the creation of insulin in 1921, all patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes died within years of being diagnosed. Today, although insulin is not a cure, it is certainly a historic breakthrough. Diabetes patients are encouraged to eat healthy and balance insulin with daily diet and activities. Patients will also monitor their blood glucose levels daily. Because 65% of people with diabetes die from heart problems, they are also encouraged to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels to lower their risk. People who let their blood glucose levels get too low can suffer from hypoglycemia, which causes the patient to become nervous, confused and impair judgment. Those whose blood glucose levels get too high will suffer from hyperglycemia.
Although many people with diabetes will seek their health care from their primary care physicians, some patients will develop a team of professionals to help manage diabetes more carefully. The professionals can include doctors specializing in endocrinology, dietitians, nurses, certified diabetes educators, podiatrists, and even ophthalmologists to help deal with every aspect of diabetic symptoms. Patients who keep their blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible will reduce their risk of developing major complications of type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Prior to starting an exercise program; or if making significant changes in your physical activity level; schedule a complete physical and consider other consultations to determine if there may be changes necessary in your eating plan and medications. An exercise physiologist may be able to help you determine the activities that best suit your individual needs.
Regular Physical activity can provide the following benefits:
Safe Exercise Rules:
As someone with diabetes, you already know that there are many things you need to keep track of: your blood glucose level, your weight, your cholesterol, your blood pressure, your diet, and so forth. But when was the last time you checked ... your feet?
Feet are especially prone to damage from diabetes.
Here are three of the main reasons why the health of your feet are at risk if you have diabetes:
Fortunately, you can help prevent foot problems by paying special attention to the care of your feet.
Here are the Top Ten steps you can take to help maintain your feet.
1. Choose your shoes carefully for proper fit. The shoes you select should be comfortable when you try them on and should not need to be broken-in. Ill-fitting shoes can cause calluses and other foot problems that you may not be able to feel. You may wish to consider buying special footwear designed for people with diabetes.
2. Always wear shoes or socks, even around the house. This lessens the chance of accidental injury to your feet and protects your feet from the damaging effects of heat or cold.
3. Wash your feet every day in warm water (not too hot), but do not soak them, as this can cause skin to dry out. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, since excess moisture can cause chaffing.
4. If your skin is dry, apply a diabetic foot cream after you’ve washed and dried your feet. Do not use cream between the toes unless the lotion is specially made for that area.
5. Inspect your feet every day for bruises, redness, calluses, cuts, ingrown toenails, and so forth. Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet if you cannot bend over or if your eyesight is poor. You can also ask a family member, friend, or nurse to check your feet for you. If you do find an injury, always consult with your doctor on the best way to help it heal.
6. Have your doctor show you how to gently use a pumice stone to control corns or calluses. Removing corns or calluses yourself may not be a good idea, as you may damage the skin.
7. Trim your toenails regularly. Ideally, do this after washing, as the toenails will be soft and easier to clip. It is best to trim the toenails following the natural curve of your toe, rather than in a rounded shape. Do not cut into the corners of your toenails or you may break the skin. File any rough edges with an emery board.
8. Stop smoking. Smoking decreases the flow to small blood vessels, a problem that is pronounced in people with diabetes who already suffer from poor circulation.
9. Exercise. Physical activity increases the circulation throughout the body, which will help your feet and legs. If you are unable to walk, consider alternative exercises such as swimming or pedaling a recumbent bicycle.
10. Have your doctor check your feet at least four times a year. He or she should check your sense of feeling and your blood flow, as well as show you how to properly care for your feet.
Many people with diabetes will experience problems caring for wounds during their lifetime. Wounds heal more slowly for people with diabetes and require special care.
Care of the skin is one of the most important aspects of routine diabetes maintenance. Without proper precautionary measures, minor cuts or injuries can quickly turn into serious problems. Diabetics often heal more slowly than normal because of reduced blood flow to affected areas. Diabetics also may not notice injuries right away if they suffer from diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage which can numb sensations and pain.
People with diabetes need to take extra care when they develop a wound. Here are a few guidelines to follow for wound care and prevention.
1. For uninfected wounds or minor burns, people with diabetes may apply antibiotic ointments to prevent infection. If signs of infection occur, such as redness, pain, or inflammation, seek the help of your medical advisor.
2. Wounds and ulcers should be cleaned daily with mild soap and covered with dressings or bandages, as wounds heal best when covered and moist.i Moist dressings do not need to be changed as frequently as moist-to-dry dressings, so they are convenient to the patient. Moreover, moist dressings usually lessen pain and reduce the number of re-injuries compared to dressings that allow the wound to dry out.ii
3. For serious wounds, especially infected ones, consult with a doctor for treatment recommendations immediately. Skin infections in people with diabetes usually require prescription medications, such as antibiotics or ointments specially formulated for people with diabetes.
4. During routine skin care, people with diabetes should avoid using any implement that abrases the skin, such as pumice stones and callus or corn removers. These products can potentially do damage to delicate or injured skin.
5. Keep skin hydrated by using moisturizing lotions to prevent cracking, which can lead to infection.
6. Monitor your blood glucose levels carefully to help wounds heal more quickly.
7. Foot wounds are especially prevalent in people with diabetes. Avoid walking barefoot to prevent foot injuries. To promote healing of foot wounds or ulcers, people with diabetes should alleviate the pressure to the area as much as possible. Application of medicines and dressings is also important to speed healing. You may wish to wear therapeutic shoes or socks that are designed to address the needs of people with diabetes.
Proper care and prevention of wounds can help people with diabetes avoid serious complications. Be sure to inspect your feet and body every day for signs of cuts or injury, and to treat each problem right away.
i http://www.podiatrists.org/visitors/foothealth/general/diabwound/
ii http://www.orthopedictechreview.com/issues/junjul99/pg51.htm
April is Foot Health Awareness Month. Most of us overlook our feet when we think about our health. For people with diabetes, foot care is essential to preventing complications and serious conditions. Here are ways to maintain proper foot care and avoid potential complications such as nerve damage or amputation.
Keep your feet moving, clean, protected, healthy and very happy!
Diabetes affects millions Americans. Statistically, the growth of diabetes is at near epidemic proportions. Studies show that over six percent of America's population is estimated to be affected by the disease. Healthcare authorities agree that these circumstances demand urgent attention, yet all are unclear on the exact reason for the increase.
Treatment Required
Diabetes mellitus is a disease that requires constant management. Many people do not know they have diabetes until their symptoms become severe. Without proper treatment and management you can suffer from complications that are related to diabetes. With proper care, however, you can lead a normal and fulfilled life. By taking care of yourself in the early stages, you may prevent more serious health issues later. Self-monitoring devices make it easier for people with diabetes to monitor and manage their diabetes. You can decide if this is something that will suit your personal needs.
A person with diabetes does not have the ability to utilize the glucose in their food for energy. Therefore, it builds up in their bloodstream where it can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. After being diagnosed with diabetes you will have to take personal responsibility for your care and management with the counsel of your healthcare provider.
Diabetes Glucose Meters
Self-monitoring blood glucose is now easier and more accurate than ever with the improved technology of blood glucose meters. Glucose meters are battery operated devices that measure blood glucose levels. They work by reading small blood sample from a disposable test strip. The blood glucose test strip is placed inside the meter and the meter measures the amount of glucose in your blood.
Choosing A Diabetes Meter
There are several factors to consider when choosing a blood glucose meter. The first thing you want to do is find a meter that is reliable and trustworthy of managing your blood glucose levels. This is a personal decision based on your lifestyle needs at home, school, work, or play.. Your Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE) or other healthcare provider can inform you of how often your blood glucose levels need to be tested.
Meters will vary in many ways. When choosing a meter you will want to consider the following:
Diabetes Meter Brand Comparison
Next you will want to compare brands. Below is a list of brands and information to assist you in your decision.
Abbott Diabetes Care - Optium
The Optium is designed not to begin testing until there is enough blood on the test strip. This reduces errors and test strip waste. The Optium allows you to test from your forearm or your fingertip. It features the TrueMeasure™ test strip technology that makes testing more accurate. This advanced technology reduces the effects of substances such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and vitamin C to provide a glucose specific test result. The Optium requires a blood sample size of 0.6 micro liters and provides a test result in five seconds. It features an easy to read display, 450 test result memory with weekly and monthly averaging, and downloads to a data management program on your personal computer.
Abbott Diabetes Care - Precision Xtra
The Precision Xtra was designed to make advanced diabetes management simple. It also features the benefits of the TrueMeasure™ test strip technology. The Precision Xtra is a small meter that requires a blood sample size of 0.6 micro liters. Test results are produced in five seconds. The Precision Xtra stores 450 test results, has the capability of testing blood ketone, and is downloadable to your personal computer.
Abbott Diabetes Care - FreeStyle Freedom
The FreeStyle Freedom is ideal for people who are on the go. It allows for alternate site testing on your forearm, upper arm, hand, and thigh. The FreeStyle Freedom test strip requires the smallest blood sample in the world of 0.3 micro liters. It will produce a test result in five seconds. The FreeStyle Freedom has four programmable patient reminder alarms, stores 250 test results with a 14-day result average, and downloads on your personal computer.
Abbott Diabetes Care - FreeStyle Lite
The FreeStyle Freedom features alternative site testing on your fingertip, hand, upper arm, forearm, calf, or thigh. It has a large numeric display, more discreet, with both backlight and portlight, but smaller to hold. It uses the code-free strips that are compatible with the FreeStyle Freedom Lite meter. The freestyle Freedom requires a blood sample of 0.3 micro liters and produces results in five seconds. It also has four programmable patient reminder alarms, stores 250 test results with a 14-day result average, and downloads on your personal computer.
Abbott Diabetes Care - FreeStyle Freedom Lite
The FreeStyle Freedom Lite features alternate site testing on your fingertip, hand, upper arm, forearm, calf, or thigh, and no strip coding is necessary! See your accurate glucose test results within 5-seconds on the large easy to read numeric display that is larger and very comfortable to hold. FreeStyle Freedom Lite uses the code-free strips that are compatible with the FreeStyle Lite meter. It requires 0.3 micro liters, and produces results in five seconds. It also has four programmable patient reminder alarms, stores 400 test results, provides results in 7, 14 and 30 day.
Accu-Chek Active
The Active requires a blood sample size of 1 micro liter and provides test results in five seconds. The Accu-Chek Active test strips are touchable and easy to use. It features alternate site testing, stores 200 test results, and is downloadable to your personal computer.
Accu-Chek Advantage
The Advantage requires a blood sample size of 4 micro liters and provides test results in twenty-six seconds. The Comfort Curve test strips have a unique curve to fit your finger for easier blood application. It stores 450 test results and is downloadable to your personal computer.
Accu-Chek Aviva
The Aviva uses the multiclix lancing device and a 6-test strip cartridge that requires a blood sample size of 0.6 micro liters and provides test results in five seconds. It features alternate site testing, stores 500 test results, and is downloadable to your personal computer.
Accu-Check - Compact
The Compact provides test results in seven seconds. The Compact test strips requires a blood sample size of 1.5 micro liters. It features alternate site testing, stores 100 test results, and is downloadable to your personal computer. The Compact Test Strip Drum holds 17 test strips.
Ascensia Breeze 2
The Breeze 2 features an easy load AUTODISC that holds ten test strips. It does not carry individual test strips and does not requiring any coding at all. It also allows for alternate site testing. It can store up to 420 tests and 7, 14, or 30 day averages.
Ascensia Contour
The Contour adjusts automatically for variables that can affect accuracy. The Contour test strips are convenient and easy to use. It requires a blood sample size of 0.6 micro liters and produces test results in 15 seconds. The Contour stores 240 test results and is downloadable to your personal computer. It offers alternate site testing on the finger, palm, forearm, thigh, or abdomen.
Advocate
This meter comes in three different models, a talking, an autocode talking, and also a talking with built in blood pressure monitor. It requires a tiny sample size of 0.7 microliters. Alternate site testing. You have your results in only 7 seconds on a large screen for easier visibility. Allows for uploading results onto a computer.
Nova Max
The Nova Max Blood Glucose Monitoring System requires a blood sample of 0.3 micro liters and produces results in five seconds. Both the BD test strips or Nova Max Testing Strips are designed specifically for this monitoring device. It will store 400 test results and offers alternate site testing for added comfort.
Prestige IQ Diabetes Meter
Fast accurate results within seconds. 14 & 30 day averages. Display that is large and easy to read. It is compatible to upload results to the computer.
Prodigy Talking Diabetes Meter Kit
The Prodigy is an affordable talking diabetes meter. The Prodigy test strip requires a blood sample of 0.6 micro liters and produces results in six seconds. The Prodigy will store 450 test results and will download to your personal computer. This meter also comes in an auto code talking version also, the Prodigy Auto Code Diabetes Meter.
True Track Diabetes Monitor
Requires only a 0.1 microliter blood sample. Fast, accurate results in 10 seconds. Alternate site testing.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer Name | Blood Sample Amount (Microliters) | Result Time | Alternate Site Testing | Download to PC | Coding Required | Memory (Number of test results) |
| Medisense Optium | Abbott Diabetes Care | 0.6 | 5 sec | Yes | Yes | Yes | 450 |
| Precision Xtra | Abbott Diabetes Care | 0.6 | 5 sec | Yes | Yes | Yes | 450 |
| FreeStyle Freedom | Abbott Diabetes Care | 0.3 | 5 sec | Yes | Yes | Yes | 250 |
| FreeStyle Freedom Lite | Abbott Diabetes Care | 0.3 | 5 sec | Yes | Yes | No | 400 |
| FreeStyle Lite | Abbott Diabetes Care | 0.3 | 5 sec | Yes | Yes | No | 400 |
| Accu-Check Active | Roche Diagnostics | 1 | 5 sec | Yes | Yes | Yes | 200 |
| Accu-Chek Advantage | Roche Diagnostics | 4 | 26 sec | No | Yes | Yes | 480 |
| Accu-Chek Aviva | Roche Diagnostics | 0.6 | 5 sec | Yes | Yes | Yes | 500 |
| Accu-Chek Compact | Roche Diagnostics | 1.5 | 5 sec | Yes | Yes | No | 300 |
| Ascensia Breeze 2 | Bayer Diabetes Care | 1.0 | 5 sec | Yes | Yes | No | 420 |
| Ascensia Contour | Bayer Diabetes Care | 0.6 | 5 sec | Yes | Yes | No | 480 |
| Advocate | Bayer Diabetes Care | 0.7 | 7 sec | Yes | Yes | Yes (Redicode requires no coding) | 450 |
| Nova Max | Nova Biomedical | 0.3 | 5 sec | Yes | Coming Soon | No | 400 |
| Prestige IQ | Home Diagnostics, Inc. | 4.0 | 10 - 50 sec | No | Yes | Yes | 365 |
| Prodigy | Diagnostic Devices, Inc. | 0.6 | 6 sec | Yes | Yes | Yes | 450 |
| True Track | Home Diagnostics, Inc. | 1.0 | 10 sec | Yes | Yes | Yes | 365 |
Manufacturers of Blood Glucose Meters
Another important factor to weigh in when choosing a diabetes meter is the manufacturer. You want to buy a meter from a company that is dedicated to providing top quality products to its customers. Listed below you will find some background information on a few reputable companies that manufacture diabetes meters.
Abbott Diabetes Care
Abbott is a global health care company that has been established for over 100 years. They are also responsible for brands such as FreeStyle and Precision. Abbott is highly motivated to find new medicines, technologies, and health management techniques to improve the lifestyle of someone with diabetes. It is more than just their job it is their daily goal to help their customers live enjoyable and healthy lives.
Read more about Abbott / FreeStyle diabetes testing
Roche
Roche has been established for over 100 years and is a well-known name among consumers. They work hard to discover and develop diabetic healthcare solutions to enhance quality of life. The two units of operation at Roche are pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.
Bayer
Bayer is a well-known name among consumers and is responsible for many firsts in diabetes healthcare. In 1964, they developed the first dry reagent blood sugar test that enabled people to monitor blood sugar levels from their own home. Bayer under the former name of Miles introduced the first portable blood glucose meter. Bayer is dedicated to improve and enhance quality of life through diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Today, it is a world leader in diabetes innovations.
Diagnostic Devices, Inc.
Diagnostic Devices is a leader in research and development of new products to improve and manage the health of patients with diabetes and other disorders.
Home Diagnostics, Inc.
Home Diagnostics, Inc. is one of the leading providers of diabetes products. Home Diagnostics, Inc. also works closely with healthcare providers to help them more affordably monitor and manage their patients with diabetes.
Sun Coast
Diabetic Supply of Suncoast offers products that help patients monitor their blood glucose levels and blood pressure. Diabetic Supply of Suncoast's innovative talking monitors are an invaluable aid to patients with limited visibility. Loss of vision affects millions of diabetics, and if you are one of those, these unique talking monitors can help you to care for yourself independently and effectively.
Glucose Meter Training
Each glucose meter works a little differently and you need to be familiar with how it works in order to accurately read your results. First you should read the instructions included with your glucometer. You may also want to get with your healthcare provider to see if training is available through a diabetes educator. In addition, a toll-free number is provided on the back of all meters. There are customer service agents available for you 24 hours/7 days a week to assist you in using your monitor.
It would be a good idea to take your meter to your physician at you next scheduled check-up and test the results of your glucometer against the physician´s lab results to ensure your meter is working properly. If problems are detected then you may need to contact the manufacturer.
An Important Side Note
It is very important that you wash and dry your hands thoroughly before and after testing. You may also choose to prep the area that will be used to draw the blood sample with alcohol. There are several factors that could impair the accuracy of your test if your hands are unclean or wet. Be sure to check instruction guide for conditions that could interfere with readings.
New Technology
One of the biggest research projects is to find the most noninvasive glucose meter. Everyone hates to have his or her finger pricked. Researchers are working on a pain free infrared spectroscopy. This device will measure the glucose levels by directing a light onto the surface of the skin.
Take Control of Your Health
The main goal for a glucose meter is that it will track your glucose levels over time, help you to recognize individual patterns to improve meal or snack choices, help you recognize emergency situations, and educate you on how to manage your blood glucose levels.
You may be feeling overwhelmed with your diagnosis. Feelings of anger, fear or guilt are normal. The first steps to successful management of your diabetes are to learn about your health condition and understand your treatment plan.
Consider sharing your feelings with friends and loved ones. Health care professionals and diabetes support groups offer assistance with working through negative emotions. People with diabetes are no different than anyone else: everyone has "low" or "blue" days, so remember to talk to someone if your emotions are getting in the way of taking care of yourself.
Diabetes has no cure, but together with your healthcare team, you can successfully treat diabetes and live your life fully. Diabetes is mostly a "self-management" condition, and with proper knowledge you can take charge and manage your diabetes.
Share the knowledge you have learned from your diabetes healthcare team with family and friends so they can better understand diabetes management.
Q. What is Diabetes?
A. Diabetes is an insulin deficiency. Insulin is a hormone, made in an organ located behind the stomach called the pancreas. When you have diabetes, your body cannot use the food you eat for energy, because insulin is not working the way it should. Or, your pancreas is not making enough insulin hormone.
Q. How does insulin normally work?
A. During food digestion, most foods we eat are broken down to glucose. Glucose is a form of sugar, and glucose is the body's main source of energy. Glucose enters the bloodstream during food digestion, and the amount of glucose in the blood increases.
The body reacts to this rise/increase in blood glucose by signaling the pancreas to release insulin into the bloodstream. The function of insulin is to take glucose from the bloodstream to the body cells to be used properly for energy. Insulin hormone is the "key" that "unlocks the door" of the cell wall, and allows glucose to enter the cell to be used for energy by our body.
Q. What happens with insulin function in diabetes?
A. In diabetes, glucose is not properly entering the cell to be used for energy. This is because the pancreas is not making enough insulin or the insulin hormone is not working as it should to allow glucose to enter the cells (insulin resistance). The result is glucose levels in the bloodstream rise, and the blood glucose levels rise to abnormally high levels. The kidneys will rid the body of some of the excessive glucose by filtering it from the blood, then remove the glucose from the body through urination. However, the body's blood sugar levels still remain high/elevated.
Q. What are symptoms of diabetes?
A. Signs of diabetes occur because the body cells are not getting the glucose they need for energy. It is common to feel tired, urinate more frequently, and feel very thirsty. Weight loss may occur, even if you are eating as you do normally. Other symptoms may include: dry skin, increased hunger, blurred vision, frequent infections, slow wound healing, impotence, and numbness or tingling in hands and feet.
Q. What are risk factors for developing diabetes?
A. Anyone can get diabetes at any time, but some people have more risk than others. These are risk factors for diabetes:
Q. What are the treatments for diabetes?
A. Begin with proper goal setting. The main goal for persons with diabetes is long-term blood glucose control. To help achieve glucose control, master these basics of diabetes management:
Q. What are complications of diabetes?
A. Many health problems can be caused by long-term uncontrolled diabetes:
You could delay or prevent these complications with your diabetes management care plan, which has been developed by you and your health care team.
Q. What can I do to prevent diabetes complications?
A. Having diabetes is a long-term health concern. There are diabetes complications you can delay or prevent by proper diabetes self-management and continuous monitoring of your health. Do not try to make too many lifestyle changes at once. Start small, take one step at a time. It is important to choose one goal for physical activity or healthy eating, and then change it gradually over time.
Your goal progress can be tracked by home testing of blood glucose. This is called "self monitoring of blood glucose" or "SMBG" using a glucometer or blood glucose meter. Ask your physician or health care team member which is the best glucometer for you to use to monitor your blood glucose levels.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has set target blood glucose levels:
90-130 mg/dl before meals
Less than 180 mg/dl after meals (2 hours after eating)
Between 110-150 mg/dl at bedtime
A1C: Less than 7% (A1C measures average blood sugar levels for 2-3 months)
(Adapted from American Diabetes Association Guidelines, 2003)
Q. Who are my diabetes healthcare team members?
A. Treatment for diabetes management include: meal plans, stress management, medications, and an exercise plan. You will work with a team to manage your diabetes. Some of the members on your team may include:
Q. What is a diabetes meal plan?
A. To keep your blood glucose levels in the proper range, the most important aspect of diabetes management is eating a well-balanced food plan. See a registered dietitian and/or a certified diabetes educator to develop a proper diet. Weight control will be an important concern, so the calories in your meal plan may be limited. Work together with your dietitian to individualize your meal plan. You can still eat most of your favorite foods, but in smaller portions. Your dietitian can help you plan meals that taste good and are nutritious.
Try these tips for improving your nutritional intake:
Q. Which foods contain carbohydrates? How much carbohydrate should I have in my meal plan?
Carbohydrate foods are found in these food groups: grains and starchy vegetables, fruits, milk and sweets.
Using the Plate Method for diabetes meal planning will help you eat a well-balanced meal with a variety of foods. The Plate Method will help you to consume the proper amount of carbohydrates each day.
Generally at one meal you will have a single plate (not too large) consisting of: salads, steamed vegetables, whole grain starches or breads in small portions, and lean proteins: fish, chicken, lean beef or pork (loin cuts), as well as a cup of low fat milk and a fresh fruit. The vegetables should fill half (50%) of your plate.
On average you will try to keep your carbohydrate intake to no more than 60 grams carbohydrate per meal. In each USDA food group listed in the diabetes food guide pyramid, a specific amount of food contains a carbohydrate gram value.
Here are some carbohydrate gram values for common food groups:
Other general meal planning guidelines:
Don’t know what to cook? Try our diabetes recipes and cooking tips.
Q. What do I need to know about exercise, glucose monitoring and medications?
A. Try to be active for at least 30 minutes each day. Start with just 5-10 minutes per day for 3 days per week. Then gradually increase the time and frequency you exercise to a more active lifestyle.
Check your blood glucose levels as directed by your physician. Your healthcare team will show you how to check your blood sugar. Ask the physician how often you should test your blood glucose levels. Write your blood glucose results in your logbook each time you test. Discuss the results of your blood glucose readings at your regular appointments with health care team members.
Ask your physician the names of the medications you take, and ask how the medications work. Over time, people with diabetes may require increased amounts of medications, or different types of medications. This may be considered to be a natural progression of diabetes, and does not mean that you have not been managing your diabetes properly. Keep a list of medications that you are taking, and bring the list and your medication bottles to all doctor visits.
Q. Besides daily SMBG, what other types of monitoring will be necessary to meet my treatment needs?
A. Stay healthy by monitoring these health factors according to the following schedule:
NOTE: Your individual diabetes care plan may be modified by your diabetes health care team to meet your specific needs, including differences in the frequency or type of monitoring.
Q. Where can I obtain further information on diabetes management?
A. Here are some websites which provide useful tips for living a healthy lifestyle with diabetes:
American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org
American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org
American Association of Diabetes Educators: www.diabeteseducator.org
American Dietetic Association: www.eatright.org
United States Dept. of Health and Human Services (Exercise Section): www.smallstep.gov
United States Dept. of Agriculture (Nutrition Section): www.mypyramid.gov
Diabetes Self Management Periodical: www.diabetesselfmanagement.com
Children with Diabetes Periodical: www.childrenwithdiabetes.com
Information on Smoking Cessation: www.healthmonitor.com
Remember: There is no cure for diabetes, but with the proper diabetes self-management plan and appropriate treatments, diabetes can be controlled, and complications can be prevented or delayed.
Diabetes is part of your life. It’s very important to take care of it when you’re sick, when you’re at school or work, when you travel, or when you’re pregnant or thinking about having a baby. Here are some tips to help you take care of your diabetes at these times.
Take good care of yourself when you have a cold, the flu, an infection, or other illnesses. Being sick can raise your blood glucose. When you’re sick, do the following: