Getting back to the Basics
I know that this is a long post and if the list owner wants to delete
it I have big shoulders and won’t be insulted. It is not spam and
there is no sales pitch.
I post it for the following types of members:
1. Members like me who are just starting out.
2. Members who are having trouble remembering why this is important.
3. Members who are falling into bad habits.
4. Members who want to cultivate new good habits.
If you don’t fit into any of the above categories, ignore this post.
You members that have been fighting this disease for years, please
excuse the enthusiasm of a newly diagnosed type 2 - you know what a
pain we can be…”Let us begin now, for until now we have done
nothing.” St. Francis of Asissi.
The Benefits of Controlling Diabetes for Life
Taking control of diabetes has many benefits. Keeping your blood sugar
(also called blood glucose) levels in the normal range can make a big
difference now and in the future.
In the SHORT RUN, you will:
Feel better.
Stay healthy.
Have more energy.
Prevent the signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as:
feeling very thirsty and tired; urinating often; losing a lot of
weight; having blurred vision; and having cuts or bruises that are
slow to heal.
In the LONG RUN, you will:
Lower your chances of having diabetes problems such as eye
disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
Enjoy a better quality of life.
An Action Plan for Blood Sugar Control
There are many steps you can take to control your diabetes for life.
Follow this three-part action plan to get your blood sugar under
control:
1. Know your blood sugar numbers. Get a complete picture of
your blood sugar control with the hemoglobin A1c test and the
finger-stick test using a blood glucose meter.
2. Reach your blood sugar goal. Make healthy lifestyle choices
with the help of your health care provider.
3. Keep your blood sugar under control. Create a plan to stick
with your self-care goals and manage setbacks.
Know Your Blood Sugar Numbers. . .
2 Tests to Measure Blood Sugar Control
To control your diabetes, you must know your blood sugar numbers.
Testing your blood sugar is the only way to know whether your blood
sugar is too high, too low, or just right.
There are two different tests to measure your blood sugar:
1. The hemoglobin A1c test (pronounced he-me-glo-bin
A-one-C) measures your blood sugar control over the last 3
months. It is the best way to know if your blood sugar is under
control.
2. A finger-stick test you do yourself using a blood glucose meter
measures your blood sugar at the time you test.
You need both tests to get a complete picture of your blood
sugar control.
The Hemoglobin A1c Test: The Best Test for Blood Sugar
Control
The hemoglobin A1c test is a simple lab test that shows the average
amount of sugar that has been in your blood over the last 3 months.
Your health care provider does the test by taking a small sample of
your blood and sending it to a lab. The hemoglobin A1c test shows if
your blood sugar is close to normal or too high. It is the best test
for your health care provider to tell if your blood sugar is under
control.
Hemoglobin A1c Testing Goal
The hemoglobin A1c goal for people with diabetes is less than 7
percent. A change in your treatment plan is almost always needed if
your test result is over 8 percent.
The Finger-Stick Test: For Testing Your Own Blood Sugar Using a Blood
Glucose Meter
A finger-stick test is a simple test you can do using a blood glucose
meter to check changes in your own blood sugar. The finger-stick test
tells you what your blood sugar is at the time you test.
Finger-stick testing using a blood glucose meter helps you see how
food, physical activity, and diabetes medicine affect your blood
sugar. The readings you get from these tests can help you manage your
diabetes day by day or even hour by hour. Keep a record of your test
results and review it with your health care provider.
Finger-Stick Testing Blood Sugar Goal
Ideal goals for most people with diabetes when finger-stick testing
using a Blood glucose meter are:
Beore Meals 80-120 mg/dl
At Bedtime 100-140 mg/dl
Your blood sugar goals may be different from these ideal goals. Ask
your health care provider what goals are best for you.
Reach Your Blood Sugar Goal . . .
Tips to Control Blood Sugar
To Start
Test your blood sugar. Ask your health care provider when and
how often.
Keep a record of your blood tests, medicines, and daily events.
Review the record with your health care provider.
Take your diabetes medicine as prescribed.
Eat foods to control your blood sugar. See a dietitian to create a
meal plan that is right for you.
Get physical activity. If you haven’t been active, start slowly.
Good activities are walking and swimming.
Check your feet for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Call
your health care provider right away about any sores that won’t
heal.
To Keep in Mind Along the Way
Stay at a weight that is right for you. Ask your health care
provider what you should weigh.
Treat low blood sugar quickly with special tablets or gel made of
glucose.
Don’t smoke. Talk to your health care provider about ways to quit.
Learn more about diabetes and diabetes self-care. Ask your
health care provider to suggest a dietitian and a diabetes educator
to help you manage your diabetes.
Seek support from family and friends or join a diabetes
support group. Call your local hospital or health department to
find a support group.
To Do With Your Health Care Providers
Write down your questions and take them with you to each visit.
Ask for a hemoglobin A1c test at least twice a year and know
what your test result means.
Ask for regular blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and
other blood fat tests.
Have your feet, eyes, and kidneys checked at least once a year or
more often if you have problems.
See your dentist at least twice a year. Tell your dentist you have
diabetes.
Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control . . .
Tips to Maintain Blood Sugar Control
Set Goals You Can Reach
Break a big goal into small steps. If you plan to increase your
physical activity, start by taking one 5-minute walk three times a
week. Then try walking longer or more often.
Make changes that you can stick with for the rest of your life. If
you want to lose weight and keep it off, be active and limit portion
sizes. Don’t just go on a “diet.”
Create a Plan to Deal With Diabetes
Think about all your reasons for staying in control of your blood
sugar. Make a list and post it where you see it often.
Figure out what can tempt you to slip up when it comes to blood
sugar control. Decide now how you will handle these events next
time.
Reward yourself for staying in control. Rent a movie, buy a plant,
or spend time with a friend.
Ask for a little help from friends and family when you’re down or
need someone to talk to.
Manage Setbacks
Admit that you’ve slipped. Learn what you can from it.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. A setback is not the end of the
world.
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