Diabetes

Introduction

Your doctor says you have diabetes. This guide will help you learn how to take care of your diabetes and how to prevent some of the serious problems that diabetes can cause. We wrote this guide with help from people like you, people who have diabetes and wanted more information about it. You may want to share this booklet with your family and friends so they too will understand more about diabetes and how they can help you live a healthy life. And remember, you can always ask your health care team any questions you might have.

Follow Your Meal Plan

People with diabetes should have their own meal plan. Ask your doctor to give you the name of a dietitian who can work with you to develop a meal plan. Your dietitian can help you plan meals that include foods that you and your family like to eat and that are good for you too. Ask your dietitian to include foods that are heart-healthy to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Your diabetes meal plan will include breads, cereals, rice, and grains; fruits and vegetables; meat and meat substitutes; dairy products; and fats. People with diabetes don’t need to eat special foods. The foods on your meal plan are good for everyone in your family! Making wise food choices will help you

• reach and stay at a weight that’s good for your body
• keep your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control
• prevent heart and blood vessel disease

Be Physically Active

Physical activity is good for your diabetes. Walking, swimming, dancing, riding a bicycle, playing baseball, and bowling are all good ways to be active. You can even get exercise when you clean house or work in your garden. Physical activity is especially good for people with diabetes because

• physical activity helps keep weight down
• physical activity helps insulin work better to lower blood glucose
• physical activity is good for your heart and lungs
• physical activity gives you more energy

Before you begin exercising, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may check your heart and your feet to be sure you have no special problems. If you have high blood pressure or eye problems, some exercises like weightlifting may not be safe. Your health care team can help you find safe exercises.

Take Your Diabetes Medicine Every Day

Three kinds of diabetes medicine can help you reach your blood glucose targets: pills, insulin, and other injectable medicines.

If you take diabetes pills

If your body makes insulin, but the insulin doesn’t lower your blood glucose, you may need diabetes pills. Some pills are taken once a day, and others are taken more often. Ask your health care team when you should take your pills.

Be sure to tell your doctor if your pills make you feel sick or if you have any other problems. Remember, diabetes pills don’t lower blood glucose by themselves. You’ll still want to follow a meal plan and be active to help lower your blood glucose.

Check Your Blood Glucose as Recommended

You’ll want to know how well you’re taking care of your diabetes. The best way to find out is to check your blood to see how much glucose is in it. If your blood has too much or too little glucose, you may need a change in your meal plan, exercise plan, or medicine.

Ask your doctor how often you should check your blood glucose. Some people check their blood glucose once a day. Others do it three or four times a day. You may check before and after eating, before bed, and sometimes in the middle of the night.

Your doctor or diabetes educator will show you how to check your blood using a blood glucose meter. Your health insurance or Medicare may pay for the supplies and equipment you need.