 Learning
to Control Your Diabetes
The number one goal of diabetes
treatment is to control high blood sugar levels. It is important
not only to target good behaviors, but also to consistently
follow through with them. Monitoring your blood sugar level
is a key component in treatment and management of the disease.
Also, in many cases intensive lifestyle changes in diet and
exercise actually can prevent, reduce or delay the risk of developing
the disease. Develop a game
plan for a healthier lifestyle.
Monitor Blood Sugar
Levels
You may need to test your own blood sugar on a regular basis to help you control and manage your diabetes. Talk with your health care provider about:
- What type of test to use
- How to do the test the right
way and how often to test
- How often to report the test
results
- Getting the supplies you need
to do the tests
Note:
Other tests you should get on a regular basis include blood
pressure checks, cholesterol tests and other blood fat tests.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Devices
When people with diabetes can control
their blood sugar (glucose), they are more likely to stay healthy.
People with diabetes use two kinds of management devices: glucose
meters and other diabetes
management tests. Glucose meters help people with
diabetes check their blood sugar at home, school, work, and
play. Some patients may need to test (monitor) more often than
others do. How often you use your glucose meter should be based
on the recommendation of your health care provider.
Eat Well-Balanced Meals
Healthy foods in the right amounts
will keep your weight under control and help manage your diabetes
- your body needs food from the four main food groups every
day. By following the dietary
guidelines, you can promote your health and reduce
your risk for other chronic diseases as well such as heart disease,
certain cancers, stroke and osteoporosis. Making wise food choices
is important in lowering your risk of, or controlling, diabetes.
- Take a hard look at your serving
sizes - reduce serving sizes of main courses (such as meat),
desserts, and foods high in fat. Increase the amount of fruits
and vegetables.
- Limit your fat intake
- Evaluate your daily calorie
intake
- Keep a food (and exercise) log
Remember:
Too much fat and cholesterol in your diet can be very harmful
to people with diabetes. Foods that are high in fat include
red meat, dairy products (whole milk, cream, cheese and ice
cream), egg yolks, butter, salad dressings, vegetable oils
and many desserts.
Exercise
Exercise is important for good diabetes control. It usually lowers blood sugar and may help insulin work better. Exercise and a healthy diet can also help you take off extra pounds if you are overweight. If you are overweight or obese, choose sensible ways to get in shape: avoid crash diets, increase your physical activity (build up to at least 30 minutes or exercise most days of the week), and set a reasonable weight-loss goal such as losing 1 pound a week (aim for a long-term goal of losing a specific percent of your total body weight). Be sure to choose activities you enjoy. Here are some ways to work extra activity into your daily routine:
- Take the stairs rather than
an elevator or escalator.
- Park at the far end of the lot
and walk.
- Get off the bus a few stops
early and walk the rest of the way.
- Walk or bicycle instead of driving
whenever you can.
Warning:
Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
You may need a snack before or during the activity to avoid
having low blood sugar while you exercise.
Medications
Some people need medication to help control their blood pressure or cholesterol levels. If you do, be sure to take your medicines as directed. Ask your doctor if there are any medicines you can take to prevent type 2 diabetes.
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There
is no cure for diabetes and resulting health complications can
be very serious if left undiagnosed and/or untreated. But, if
you have diabetes, you can take steps to control the disease
and lower the risk of complications. The first step is to find
out from your doctor what type of diabetes you have. Discuss
with your doctor the various 