Managing Diabetes
From WikiEducator
Contents
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the four major contributors to diabetes that need to be tracked and documented
- Demonstrate an understanding of how to obtain and record the data
- Verbalize how careful documentation can lead to improved control of diabetes
- Discuss a plan to implement the new documenting system outside the clinic
Communicate with your provider
Keep detailed daily journals, including:
- Meal times and foods eaten
- Blood glucose levels
- What medication is taken and when
- Type and amount of exercise
- Any change in symptoms
Keep your appointments even if you feel fine
- Routine exams help prevent complications
Bring to each appointment:
- Medications
- Daily journal
Check blood sugar and contact your physician if you experience:
- Weakness or fainting
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Trembling
- Breath is sweet or has fruity smell
- Difficulty breathing, breath is more rapid and deeper than normal
- Increased urination
- Changes in vision
- Tingling sensation in any part of your body
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Each day is an opportunity to choose to:
Learn more about Diabetes
Eat a balanced diet
- Include a variety of healthy foods in moderation
- Reduce or eliminate cholesterol and sodium from diet
- Sweets can be a part of a healthy diet by replacing calories from other carbohydrates in the meal
- Consider sugar substitutes
- Stevia and agave nectar are good choices and have a lower glycemic index (they do not raise blood sugar as much as other sweetners)
- Be aware of calories and carbohydrates, both affect blood sugar
- Even sugar substitutes are not calorie and carbohydrate free
Participate in physical activity and monitor weight
Take all medications as prescribed, even if you feel fine
Monitor blood sugar and blood pressure
Brush and floss teeth
Check feet for:
- Blisters
- Sores
- Redness
- Swelling
Stop smoking
- Get help and support from your provider
References
http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/diabetes-nutrition/DA00130/METHOD=print
http://kids.jdrf.org/index.cfm
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/diabetes/living/356.printerview.html
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/medicines_ez/
http://www.medicinenet.com/diabetes_mellitus/article.htm