Managing Diabetes

Managing diabetes is a daily commitment that involves monitoring blood sugar, taking medications, making healthy food choices, staying active, and regular healthcare visits. While it may seem overwhelming at first, with the right knowledge, support, and tools, you can successfully manage diabetes and live a full, healthy life.

Successful diabetes management requires understanding your condition, working closely with your healthcare team, and making lifestyle choices that support good blood sugar control. The goal is to keep blood sugar in your target range to prevent complications and maintain good health.

Blood Sugar Monitoring:

• Check as recommended by doctor
• Keep a log of readings
• Know your target range
• Recognize patterns
• Share results with healthcare team
• Adjust as needed

Medications:

• Take as prescribed
• Don't skip doses
• Understand how medications work
• Know when to take them
• Report side effects
• Don't adjust without doctor approval

Healthy Eating:

• Balanced meals
• Consistent meal times
• Control portion sizes
• Count carbohydrates (if recommended)
• Work with dietitian
• Plan meals ahead

Physical Activity:

• Regular exercise (as approved)
• Check blood sugar before/after
• Stay hydrated
• Have snacks available
• Know how exercise affects blood sugar
• Start gradually

General Targets (individualized):

• Fasting/before meals: 80-130 mg/dL (4.4-7.2 mmol/L)
• After meals: Less than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L)
• A1C: Less than 7% (individualized)
• Bedtime: 90-150 mg/dL (5-8.3 mmol/L)

Important: Your doctor will give you specific targets based on your situation.

Key Principles:

• Balance: Include all food groups
• Consistency: Regular meal times
• Portion control: Appropriate serving sizes
• Carbohydrate awareness: Count or be aware
• Fiber: Include high-fiber foods
• Limit: Processed foods, added sugars

Food Choices:

• Fruits and vegetables: Variety of colors
• Whole grains: Instead of refined
• Lean proteins: Fish, poultry, beans
• Healthy fats: Nuts, avocado, olive oil
• Low-fat dairy: Or alternatives
• Limit: Sugary drinks, processed foods

Meal Planning:

• Plan meals ahead
• Use plate method (1/2 vegetables, 1/4 protein, 1/4 grains)
• Read food labels
• Cook at home more
• Work with dietitian

Benefits:

• Lowers blood sugar
• Improves insulin sensitivity
• Helps with weight management
• Improves heart health
• Reduces stress

Recommendations:

• At least 150 minutes per week
• Mix of aerobic and strength training
• Spread throughout week
• Check blood sugar before/after
• Stay hydrated

Safety:

• Get doctor's approval
• Start gradually
• Monitor blood sugar
• Have snacks available
• Know warning signs

Regular Check-ups:

• A1C: Every 3-6 months
• Blood pressure: At each visit
• Cholesterol: Annually
• Eye exam: Annually
• Foot exam: At each visit
• Kidney function: Annually
• Dental exam: Every 6 months

Self-Care:

• Foot care: Check daily, keep clean and dry
• Eye care: Regular exams
• Dental care: Regular cleanings
• Skin care: Keep clean and moisturized
• Vaccinations: Stay up to date

Control Risk Factors:

• Blood sugar: Keep in target range
• Blood pressure: Control if high
• Cholesterol: Manage if high
• Weight: Maintain healthy weight
• Don't smoke: Increases complications

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia):

• Symptoms: Thirst, frequent urination, fatigue
• Causes: Too much food, missed medication, illness, stress
• Action: Check blood sugar, take medication, drink water, contact doctor if very high

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia):

• Symptoms: Shaking, sweating, confusion, dizziness
• Causes: Too much medication, not enough food, exercise
• Action: Eat or drink fast-acting sugar (15g), recheck in 15 minutes, eat meal if needed

Emergency: If very high or very low, or if unconscious, seek immediate medical care.

• Very high blood sugar with confusion
• Very low blood sugar with unconsciousness
• Severe symptoms
• Diabetic ketoacidosis signs

• Blood sugar consistently high or low
• Need to adjust medications
• Questions about management
• Concerns about complications
• Need for education
• Illness affecting blood sugar

• Follow treatment plan
• Attend regular appointments
• Monitor as recommended
• Report concerns
• Stay educated

Healthcare Team:

• Primary care doctor
• Endocrinologist (diabetes specialist)
• Diabetes educator
• Dietitian
• Eye doctor
• Foot doctor
• Other specialists as needed

Support:

• Family and friends
• Diabetes support groups
• Online communities
• Educational programs
• Don't go through it alone

It depends on your treatment plan. Some people check multiple times daily, others less frequently. Your doctor will recommend based on your medications and situation.

Yes, in moderation and as part of your meal plan. Work with your dietitian to learn how to incorporate treats. The key is planning and portion control.

Not everyone with type 2 diabetes needs insulin. Many people manage with lifestyle changes and oral medications. Insulin may be needed if other treatments aren't effective.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition, but it can be well-managed. Some people can achieve remission through significant lifestyle changes, but ongoing monitoring is usually needed.

Keep blood sugar in target range, control blood pressure and cholesterol, get regular check-ups, take care of feet and eyes, don't smoke, and follow your treatment plan.