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The words "blood" and "sugar" are a single phrase for millions of Americans: "blood sugar." Taking insulin or diabetes pills;On intensive insulin therapy;Having a hard time controlling blood glucose levels;Having severe low blood glucose levels or...
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A lancet (needle);Test strips;A glucose meter;A log bookWash your hands with soap and warm (not hot) water.;Follow directions for placing a test strip in your meter.Prick the side of your finger with the lancet. Squeeze gently until you get a drop...
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A. Blood sugar is a term that describes the simple form of sugar called glucose, which circulates in your bloodstream.
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Too much glucose (sugar) in your blood is called hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. High blood sugar can lead to a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis. In severe cases, it can lead to coma. Eating too much food, especially carbohydrates;Being ...
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Too little glucose (sugar) in your blood is called hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Diabetes itself doesn't cause low blood sugar. But some of the treatments for diabetes, such as pills or insulin, may increase your risk for it. Low blood sugar ma...
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When your cells can't get glucose (a kind of sugar) to burn for energy, they burn fat instead. This leaves behind acids called ketones in your blood and urine. A buildup of ketones can cause a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis. Your healthca...
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Eating a diet that can reduce your risk for disease and increase your longevity doesn't have to be difficult. Add vegetables to (almost) everything you eat. Add pureed carrots or red roasted peppers to pasta sauce. Replace some of the oil in nut b...
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Low-carb/high-protein diets—such as Atkins, South Beach, the Zone, and Sugar Busters—are getting a lot of attention these days, as alternatives to the more traditional weight-loss diets that stress carbohydrates and limit fats. But while some stud...
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Like many people, you may seek occasional solace in a bowl of ice cream or slice of pizza after a bad day. When you find yourself seeking out food to comfort you, you are eating in response to your emotions, rather than to hunger. Sudden hunger;Cr...
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Ask your healthcare team to help you make a meal plan that fits your needs. Your meal plan tells you when to eat your meals and snacks, what kinds of foods to eat, and how much of each food to eat. You don't have to give up all the foods you like....
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Fiber is what gives strength and structure to plants. Most grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits contain fiber. Foods rich in fiber are often low in calories and fat, and they fill you up more. They may also reduce your risks for certain health pr...
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What you eat has a big effect on your body's cholesterol level. Eating certain foods can raise your cholesterol. Other foods can help you lower it. Watching what you eat can help you get your cholesterol level under control. Fatty beef, cold cuts,...
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There are different kinds of fats in the foods you eat. Fats can be saturated or unsaturated. Planning meals that are low in saturated fat helps reduce the level of cholesterol in your blood. Too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to blocked ...
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The diabetes food pyramid is a tool to help you eat a wide range of healthy foods. If you eat the lowest number of servings for each type of food, you'll eat about 1,600 calories a day. The highest number of servings will give you about 2,800 calo...
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The labels on canned, packaged, and frozen foods tell you what's really in the foods you eat. Comparing labels will help you choose foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and calories. Reading food labels is a big step toward eatin...
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Some foods are weighed in ounces. Some are measured in spoons or cups. Others, like fruits, are based on an average, or medium, size. Below are some serving sizes and tips to help you judge just what 1 serving looks like. A serving of meat, poultr...
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Having diabetes doesn't mean you have to shop in a special aisle or look for special foods. But you will need to make choices. By comparing items and reading food labels, you can find the healthiest foods for you and your family. "No sugar added" ...
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Eating right is an important part of keeping your blood sugar in your target range. You just need to make healthy choices. When you eat away from home: Ask how foods are prepared before you order.;Instead of fried, sautéed, or breaded foods, choos...
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It's easy to stumble into a dietary rut when you have diabetes and take insulin.
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Is it OK for people with diabetes to drink alcohol? This is something only you and your health care provider can answer.
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While regular physical activity is a cornerstone of wellness at any age, it's during your 30s, 40s and 50s that exercise becomes especially important. These may be the busiest years of your life, and staying physically fit helps you keep up with a...
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No matter how faithful you are to your exercise routine, at some point, you may have to miss it because of illness.
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You've been out of shape before, but this time it's serious. You can't walk across a room without huffing and puffing. Your arms get tired unpacking a bag of groceries. You're carrying more and more excess body weight. And you can't remember the l...
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Before the advent of modern medicine, a person diagnosed with heart disease, arthritis or some other chronic condition might have been told to take it easy -- for the rest of his or her life. Back then, doctors thought exercise was for the fit and...
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Two factors have contributed greatly to the expanding waistlines of Americans, a problem so great that automakers are redesigning car seats and movie theaters are adding wider seating to accommodate increasingly fatter behinds. As most of us know,...
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Exercise can lower your blood sugar level, help you control your weight, improve your circulation, lower your blood pressure, and improve your heart health. It can also boost your mental outlook. Even a small amount of regular activity can greatly...
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Getting started is easier than you think. Simple and small movements can get you started on a regular exercise routine. You don't need to join a gym to start moving. Choose an activity you enjoy. Start slowly and set small goals. Work activity int...
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Being more active can help you manage your diabetes. The tips on this sheet can help you get the most from your exercise. They can also help you stay safe. Exercise with a friend or carry a cell phone if you have one.;Carry or wear identification ...
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Being physically active every day can help you manage your blood sugar. That's because an active lifestyle can improve your body's ability to use insulin. Daily activity can also help delay or prevent complications of diabetes. And it's a great wa...
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Aerobic exercise (exercise that gets your heart pumping harder) is an essential part of any exercise program. There are other components of fitness that are equally important. These help get your body ready for exercise and prevent injury.
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Your exercise goal is a total of 30 minutes on most days. Be sure you're getting the most from your time spent being active. Lower legs: Go up and down slowly on your toes, while you're filing papers or washing dishes.;Upper legs: Lower yourself s...
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Getting your heart to work at the right pace means you'll develop better aerobic endurance. This happens because your heart gets stronger and more efficient from the challenge. A stronger heart can pump more oxygen to your muscles. Then you don't ...
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About half of the 2 billion prescriptions filled each year aren't taken correctly, according to the National Council on Patient Information and Education. As a result, many Americans are putting their health and lives at risk.
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Prescription medications are more powerful and beneficial than ever. One small tablet can help someone avoid a deadly stroke or heart attack by controlling blood pressure; another can keep a person with diabetes from having to administer daily ins...
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Who should you turn to with questions about your medicines? The answer should be your pharmacist, but you may not know what your pharmacist can do for you.
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Diabetes pills can help to manage your blood sugar. These pills are not insulin. They work to manage your blood sugar in several ways. You may be given a combination of medications. Always follow your doctor's instructions. Hypoglycemia;Headache;D...
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Take the time to learn about your medicine. What does it do? Work with your doctor or other health care providers to get the answers you need. What is the name of the medicine?;Why do I need to take it? When should I take it?;How should I take it:...
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Medicine can help keep you healthy. But if you don't take it correctly, it could harm you. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you learn the right way to take your medicine. Listed below are some things you can do to take your medicine safely. Have...
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The average American older than 65 takes two to seven prescription drugs daily; managing these medications properly is essential for good health. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications, supplements and remedies you take. Be sure...
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Can anyone with diabetes use an insulin pump? Insulin pumps are used most often by people with type 1 diabetes, but some people with type 2 diabetes use them, too.
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Research shows that if you are overweight or obese, a little weight loss goes a long way toward reducing your risk for disease and protecting your health. A person who is obese is at higher risk for breathing problems such as sleep apnea and asthm...
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The majority of dieters regain the weight they lose within five years. But they could avoid doing so by gradually changing their eating and exercise habits.
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Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese and many are trying to slim down. But in the battle of the bulge, more people are losing than winning these days. Making health, not appearance, your weight-management priority. A realistic ...
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In 2004, the National Institutes of Health reported that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults were overweight or obese.Each year, countless studies investigate various weight-loss tactics, such as low-fat versus high-fat diets, whether it's beneficial...
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Knowing the truth about losing weight can help you separate what works from what doesn't. Don't be taken in by expensive weight-loss fads like pills, herbs, and special foods. There's no magic way to lose weight. If you have questions about weight...
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Research clearly shows that most diets don't work. Even those of us who lose weight on a diet generally regain most or all of the weight within a couple of years. That's not to say that once you're overweight there's no chance to reach and maintai...
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Most of the people in magazines and on TV are far slimmer than average, yet this is the "ideal" that many people aim for. Before you decide that you won't be happy until you get down to a certain number of pounds, consider: Your age.Youprobably wi...
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Body mass index (BMI) is a way of finding a healthy weight. The higher your BMI, the greater your risk for obesity and health problems. BMI below 18.5: Underweight;BMI18.5 to 24.9: Healthy weightBMI 25 to 29.9: Overweight;BMI 30 and over: Obese
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Healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Not all bodies are made to be thin. For some people, a healthy weight is higher or lower than the average weight listed on weight charts. Your doctor can help you decide on a healthy weight for you.
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You may have many reasons why you're not ready to lose weight. You may not feel you have the time or the skills. You may be afraid of losing weight and gaining it back again. Well, you can lose weight. And you can keep the weight off, if you make ...
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Food is your body's fuel. You can't live without it. The key is to give your body enough nutrients and energy without eating too much. Reading food labels can help you make healthy choices. Also, learn new eating habits to manage your weight. Vege...
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Studies show that people who exercise are the most likely to lose weight and keep it off. Exercise burns calories. It helps build muscle to make your body stronger. Make exercise part of your weight-management plan. Exercise increases your metabol...
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Don't focus on daily weight gains and losses. Instead, weigh yourself no more than once a week at the same time of day. Remind yourself of your goals. Post them near the refrigerator or desk.;Make daily entries in your diary or journal about your ...
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Most of us could use a head-to-toe checkup now and then. But for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, it is important to get a head and toe checkup every year. Check daily for calluses, cuts, or cracks in the skin and look for signs of infectio...
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Most people with diabetes know that over time diabetes can damage the vessels that supply blood, oxygen and nourishment to their body, including their feet. The damage can decrease the amount of blood reaching the legs and feet. Check your feet e...
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Because of recent medical advances, people with diabetes can do a lot more these days to help control their disease. An eye exam. If you have type 2 diabetes the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends you should have dilated and comprehens...
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When you have diabetes, your body needs special care. This care helps you stay healthy and prevent complications. Exercise and healthy eating are a part of this. You can also protect yourself by taking special care of your feet, skin, and teeth. C...
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Diabetes increases your chances of developing foot problems. So inspect your feet every day. This helps you find small skin irritations before they become serious infections. If you have troble seeing the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask ...
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Diabetes can damage nerves in your feet and cause neuropathy.This condition makes it hard for you to feel injuries or sore spots. Diabetes can also change blood flow, making it harder for small problems, like a blister, to heal properly. In fact, ...
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Dealing with stress isn't easy. You may worry about all the things you have to do, but asking for help might make you upset. And being tired or in pain can make stress worse. Learning to control stress does take effort. Yet reducing stress can hel...
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Exercise,quitting smoking,and taking your medications right can help you control your cholesterol. Raise your good cholesterol.;Help lower your bad cholesterol.;Let blood flow better through your body.;Give more oxygen to your muscles and tissues....
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High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the silent killer. This is because many people who have it don't know it. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Know your blood pressure and remember to check it regularly. Doing so can save your l...
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Health studies have shown that smoking can affect your heart as well as your lungs. Smoking also raises your risk of certain cancers. These are all good reasons to quit. Increase your risk of lung cancer, bladder cancer, and cervical cancer.;Raise...
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You don't have to go through the process of quitting smoking without support. Tell people you are quitting. The support of friends, coworkers, and family members can make a big difference. A stop-smoking class or an ex-smokers' group can also be h...
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Battling a cold, getting over an injury or undergoing surgery is no fun for anyone. For people with diabetes, managing blood sugar is an extra concern. The stress of illness or injury can cause blood sugar to rise and make insulin less effective. ...
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Once you've been diagnosed with a chronic illness, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes, one of the best things you can do to help keep your condition under control is work closely with your health care provider. Increased thirst, urination o...
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A typical doctor's office visit lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. That gives your doctor little time to talk to you about your health problem, examine you, make a diagnosis, then suggest a treatment plan. Identify your symptoms or the reason for yo...
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Many people with arthritis, cancer and other illnesses use alternative or complementary therapies such as acupuncture, herbs or vitamins and minerals without telling their doctors. Keep your health care provider informed of any alternative therapi...
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You may have had the same doctor for years. Even so, a time may come when he or she retires or your health plan changes and the doctor is not with the new program. Is he or she board certified? Board-certified doctors have and have voluntarily tak...
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When you and your health care provider communicate well regarding health and personal issues, your health benefits. You and your provider become partners in meeting your health care needs. Do I need to ask more questions or get clearer information...
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If you have diabetes, you have plenty of company. The number of adults diagnosed with diabetes is increasing daily: 20.2 million Americans now live with this serious chronic illness. Taking daily medications;Planning healthy meals;Controlling weig...
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For your diabetes care, you may see your primary care provider or a specialist 2–4 times a year. This page lists some of the regular exams and tests recommended for people with diabetes. To learn more, contact the American Diabetes Association (80...
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Whether you're sick with the flu or there for a physical, chances are you'd rather be shopping or watching football than visiting your doctor.
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It's probably safe to say that none of my patients really relishes giving a urine sample. But the truth is that few tests can match the routine urine analysis for telling me about what's going on inside your body.
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You probably don't enjoy giving a blood sample, but it's an important part of a physical exam. From a small sample of your blood, your health care provider can order scores of tests.
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Below is a list of important tests. Provide the information requested to see how you're doing.
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Diabetes affects every part of your life, and it can create problems that aren't easy to talk about with your health care provider. It's important, however, to bring them up, because most problems are treatable. And though you might feel embarrass...
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When you're sick, even with just a cold, your blood sugar level may rise. Ask your healthcare team to help you develop a sick-day plan for controlling blood sugar. Here are some guidelines. Don't stop taking your diabetes medication unless your he...
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Managing diabetes means developing a routine for things like meals, exercise, and taking medication. It also means making changes in some of your activities, such as driving, to help keep you and those around you safe. Before starting out, check y...
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Taking care of your diabetes means developing a routine for things like meals, exercising, and taking medication. But sometimes this routine is disrupted when you travel. Your healthcare team can help you work out a plan to prepare for unexpected ...
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For most people, influenza is an infection that causes fever, muscle aches, headaches, severe fatigue, cough, and runny nose for several days, with some symptoms that linger for weeks.Itusually offers no cause for serious long-term health concerns...
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If you've had diabetes for a year or more, you've probably already learned the skills you need to manage your condition. It's natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes. You can make your management plan easier to live with. Try these tips to help keep...
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If you've had diabetes for awhile, you know that the day-to-day management of your condition is critical to your health. You also know that it can be challenging. Sometimes, you may feel discouraged and wonder how you'll keep it up. The key to suc...
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Getting in shape through diet and exercise is rarely a linear process; even the most dedicated person is bound to have setbacks.
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Everyone feels down at times, but diabetics are especially prone to depression.An unhappy period that's intense or lasts for more than a couple of weeks can be a sign of depression. Depression is a serious illness. It can disrupt the lives of fami...
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Meal planning, daily physical activityand blood sugar monitoring, medications. The day-in and day-out requirements of diabetes management can overwhelm those with this chronic disease. Offer to go to doctor appointments together or attend a diabet...
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Living with diabetes means making many changes in your life, and these changes may seem overwhelming. That's a normal reaction. When you feel down, reach out to your family and friends. Your healthcare team is also there when you have questions or...
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