You can take good care of yourself and your
diabetes by learning
what to eat
how much to eat
when to eat
Making wise food choices can help you
feel good every day
lose weight if you need to
lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other problems caused by
diabetes
Healthful eating helps keep your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, in
your target range. Physical activity and, if needed, diabetes medicines also
help. The diabetes target range is the blood glucose level suggested by diabetes
experts for good health. You can help prevent health problems by keeping your
blood glucose levels on target.
Diabetes and Blood Glucose Levels
What should my blood glucose levels be?
Before meals
90 to 130
1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal
less than 180
Talk with your health care provider about your blood glucose target
levels and write them here.
(Print out this chart for handy reference)
My Target Blood Glucose Levels
Before meals
______________ to _____________
1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal
les than ______________________
Ask your doctor how often you should check your blood glucose on your own. Also ask your doctor for an
A1C test at least twice a year. Your A1C number gives your average blood glucose for the past 3 months. The results from your blood glucose checks and your A1C test will tell you whether your diabetes care plan is working.
How can I keep my blood glucose levels on target?
You can keep your blood glucose levels on target by
making wise food choices
being physically active
taking medicines if needed
For people taking certain diabetes medicines, following a schedule for meals,
snacks, and physical activity is best. However, some diabetes medicines allow
for more flexibility. You'll work with your health care team to create a
diabetes plan that's best for you.
Talk with your doctor or diabetes teacher about how many meals and snacks to eat each day. Fill in the times for your meals and snacks on these clocks.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
Insulin resistance is the diminished ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in transporting glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into muscle and other tissues. Causes of insulin can include conditions such as stress, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and steroid use. Some of the risk factors for insulin resistance include fatty liver, heart disease, strokes, peripheral vascular disease, high cholesterol, and smoking. Treatment for insulin resistance are lifestyle changes and if necessary, medication.
The major goal in treating diabetes is controlling elevated blood sugar without causing abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Treatment for type 1 diabetes is with insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet. Treatment for type 2 diabetes is first treated with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugar, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, insulin medications are considered.
The main features of metabolic syndrome include insulin resistance, hypertension (high blood pressure), cholesterol abnormalities, and an increased risk for clotting. Patients are most often overweight or obese. Lifestyle modification such as the Mediterranean diet, exercise, and quitting smoking are the preferred treatment of metabolic syndrome.
Diabetes-related foot problems can affect your health with two problems: diabetic neuropathy, where diabetes affects the nerves, and peripheral vascular disease, where diabetes affects the flow of blood. Common foot problems for people with diabetes include athlete's foot, fungal infection of nails, calluses, corns, blisters, bunions, dry skin, foot ulcers, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
The risks for developing type 2 diabetes include family history, ethnicity, birth weight, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Warning signs pointing to an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes include irregular menstruation, impaired fasting glucose, inflammatory markers, and other risks. Gestational diabetes is also a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Prevention of type 2 diabetes can be achieved through a healthy diet (Mediterranean diet), exercise, weight control, not smoking, and medication.
Managing your diabetes is important. The goal of diabetic therapy is to control blood glucose levels and prevent the complications of diabetes. Information about exercise, diet diet, and medication will help you manage your diabetes better. Blood glucose reagent strips, blood glucose meters, urine glucose tests, tests for urinary ketones, continuous glucose sensors, and Hemoglobin A1C testing information is also provided in this article.
Taking care of a disease such as diabetes is a life-long process. Learn how to care for yourself or loved one with diabetes in situations such as illness, work, school, travel, or a natural disaster.
The major goal in treating diabetes is to minimize any elevation of blood
sugar (glucose) without causing abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Type 1
diabetes is treated with insulin, exercise, and a
diabetic diet. Type 2 diabetes
is treated first with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. When
these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugars, oral medications are
used. If oral medications are still insufficient, treatment with insulin is
considered.
Adherence to a diabetic diet is an important aspect of controlling elevated
blood sugar in patients with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA)
has provided guidelines for a diabetic diet. The ADA diet is a balanced,
nutritious diet that is low in fat, cholesterol, and simple sugars. The total
daily calories are evenly divided into three meals. In the past two years, the
ADA has lifted the absolute ban on simple sugars. Small amounts of si...
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