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posted by admin on Jun 3

Here are some of the things you should check or have checked for you. Use these lists as a quick reference for maintaining good diabetic control.

Your lifestyle
1. Your diet should be high in fibre and low in saturated fats and sugary foods (refined carbohydrates), with no added salt. It should contain the right number of calories for you to achieve and remain at the ideal body weight for your height. Review your diet with a dietitian or nutritionist at least once a year.
2. Take regular exercise appropriately graded for your age and fitness level.
3. Do not smoke.
4. Drink alcohol in moderation only.
5. Get the amount of sleep and relaxation you need.

Your glucose balance
1. Test your blood glucose concentrations at least once a week, preferably once a day or more often. Check your measuring technique when you visit your diabetic adviser (I shall refer to a clinic visit from now on for simplicity), preferably against a venous laboratory glucose measurement.
2. Test your urine glucose concentrations, if you wish, at least once a week, preferably once a day or more often. Check your measuring technique at the clinic.
3. Your hemoglobin A1C should be checked at every clinic visit (if these are more than a month apart).
4. Test your urine ketone concentrations if your glucose is high, or you feel ill or are pregnant

Your drugs
Make sure you have the following:
1. Insulin, in date, enough for use and to cover breakages; stored correctly.
2. Your oral hypoglycemic pills, in date, enough for use and to cover loss.
3. Pills for other conditions, in date, enough for use and to cover loss.

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DIABETES

posted by admin on Jun 3

Life will be much easier if your family, friends and colleagues know that you have diabetes. It means that you can work out the problems of your diabetes in front of them if you have to, without being embarrassed.
You can also tell them what to do if you have a hypoglycemic attack. If you are relaxed about it, they will be too. By showing them that diabetes does not interfere with your being an efficient employee, a good friend, a super-mum, you are teaching them to be a little more receptive to the next diabetic person they meet.
Some people with diabetes are kind enough to help others who are in difficulties. Their help is especially important for those who have just been diagnosed diabetic. If they see that you are happy, fit and well, they will be much less frightened at the prospect of having diabetes for the rest of their lives. If you would like to do this, to offer your help to your local diabetic association or hospital, it will be greatly appreciated. A few centers run courses for diabetics to learn how to teach others about their condition.

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DIABETES