Managing Diabetes

=  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: =

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

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://www.diabetesatlas.org/

http://kids.jdrf.org/index.cfm

http://www.idf.org/

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/diabetes/living/356.printerview.html

http://ndep.nih.gov/

http://www.diabetes.org/

http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/medicines_ez/

http://www.medicinenet.com/diabetes_mellitus/article.htm

http://diabetes.webmd.com/default.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2007.pdf