Staying healthy doesn't have to be hard work!
So far this month we've discussed the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as symptoms, risk factors, and prevention.
But what do you do when you have diabetes?
As always, remain in close consultation with your physician on all diabetes treatment. It is also helpful to have a family member or friend to help you track your diet, activity, and medication. But here are a few ways to deal:
But what do you do when you have diabetes?
As always, remain in close consultation with your physician on all diabetes treatment. It is also helpful to have a family member or friend to help you track your diet, activity, and medication. But here are a few ways to deal:
*Maintain a healthy lifestyle: As we learned in our post on Prevention, the best combatant for diabetes and its effects on you, is to maintain a healthy weight and BMI through regular physical activity and a balanced diet, with "risk foods" like carbohydrates (especially sugars) and trans fats in strict moderation. Perhaps keep a food and activity journal, noting when you are eating and when you are physically active. This will help better inform what you learn when monitoring your glucose levels (see below). (bonus tip: with today's technology, you don't even have to worry about pen and paper! You can make notes in your smartphone, as well as create calendar alerts to buzz you throughout the day. Yes, there's an app for that :o} )
*Monitor glucose levels: Remember to check your blood glucose levels regularly, and to note what your levels are in your journal. Always start by washing your hands, then insert a test strip into the meter prescribed by your doctor. Use the lancing device to get a drop of blood, which you then press to the strip on the meter. The meter will display your blood glucose level. Blood glucose target ranges depend on a variety of factors, and are specific to each person, so make sure you have that information from your doctor.
*Compare glucose levels with diet, etc: In your journal, note how your glucose levels coincide with when and what you eat, as well as your physical activity. If your levels are too high or too low for several days running at around the same time, you should review and reevaluate your eating and activity patterns. Keep an eye out too for hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and ketones in your urine - more details on these in tomorrow's post.
*Medication: Consult your physician on which medications would work best for you. These can include glucose tablets, insulin injections, and herbs, supplemental or alternative medicines.
Want to learn more? Stay tuned for Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia, Prediabetes, and more!
*Monitor glucose levels: Remember to check your blood glucose levels regularly, and to note what your levels are in your journal. Always start by washing your hands, then insert a test strip into the meter prescribed by your doctor. Use the lancing device to get a drop of blood, which you then press to the strip on the meter. The meter will display your blood glucose level. Blood glucose target ranges depend on a variety of factors, and are specific to each person, so make sure you have that information from your doctor.
*Compare glucose levels with diet, etc: In your journal, note how your glucose levels coincide with when and what you eat, as well as your physical activity. If your levels are too high or too low for several days running at around the same time, you should review and reevaluate your eating and activity patterns. Keep an eye out too for hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and ketones in your urine - more details on these in tomorrow's post.
*Medication: Consult your physician on which medications would work best for you. These can include glucose tablets, insulin injections, and herbs, supplemental or alternative medicines.
Want to learn more? Stay tuned for Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia, Prediabetes, and more!
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