Managing Your Life
Because there's no cure for diabetes, it's important to know what changes you can make in your lifestyle to help you live comfortably and avoid serious complications. Here is a summary of the guidelines that will help you manage your diabetes for a lifetime of good health:
- Plan what you eat and eat a balanced diet. Seeing a dietitian every one to two years can be helpful.
- Exercise at least three to four times a week for 20 to 40 minutes each session. Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. Tell your doctor what kind of exercise you want to do so adjustments can be made to your medicine schedule or meal plan, if necessary.
- Follow a medicine schedule as prescribed by your doctor.
- Know what medicines (brand and generic names) you are taking and how they work. Keep a list of your medicines with you at all times.
- Test your blood sugar regularly, as recommended by your healthcare provider. Test your blood glucose more often when you're sick.
- Try to keep your blood sugar level at the range recommended by your healthcare provider at all times. If your blood glucose is less than 70 mg/dL and you have more than one unexplained low blood glucose reaction a week, call your doctor. If your blood sugar is higher than 160 mg/dL for more than a week, or if you have two consecutive readings greater than 300 mg/dL, call your doctor.
- Record your blood sugar results in a record-keeping log. Bring your log book with you to all of your doctor's visits.
- Keep your scheduled appointments with your healthcare providers. Many doctors will want to see you every 3 months. You may need to be seen more often if your blood sugars are not controlled or if you are having problems with your medicine. Diabetics whose diabetes is under good control or who do not need medicines for their diabetes may be able to see their doctor less frequently. Make sure your healthcare provider checks your blood pressure and weight, and examines your feet and insulin injection sites.
- Have a glycated hemoglobin blood test (HbA1c) every 3 months, or less often as recommended by your healthcare provider if it is in the normal range.
- Have an eye exam (including a retinopathy screening test) once a year, or more frequently as recommended by your eye doctor.
- Have a special urine test for microalbumin every year or as recommended by your doctor. This test measures the 'health' of your kidneys, heart, and blood vessels.
- Have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked (lipid profile test) once a year or more often as recommended by your doctor. (FYI: if you're on medicines or if your diabetes is not controlled, every month to 3 months is recommended. If it is well controlled, then every year will suffice.)
- Have a dental exam every six months.
- If you have any signs of infection, call your doctor or healthcare provider.
- Practice good foot and skin care.
- DO NOT SMOKE!
- Try to manage stress as best as you can. You may want to consider a stress management workshop to help you learn better coping methods.
- Discuss your travel plans with your doctor. Make sure to bring enough medicine and supplies with you on your trip. Keep medicines, syringes, and blood glucose testing supplies in your carry-on bag. Do not check these supplies in case your luggage is lost. Bring copies of your prescriptions and consider getting a medical alert bracelet.
- Continue learning about your diabetes to maintain and improve your health. Attend a diabetes class or schedule visits with your diabetes educator at least once a year.
Source: Your Health Encyclopedia, 4-rd Edition, 2002
Last Revised at December 4, 2007 by Harutyun Medina, M.D.
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