Diabetes Care - What You Need to Know

If you have diabetes, you probably use insulin injections daily for diabetes care. There are different types, grouped according to their length of effect. There are rapid-acting insulins, intermediate-acting insulins, and long-acting insulins. In some cases, you may use a combination of several insulin types. Regardless of what type of insulin you need, it is imperative to test your blood sugar regularly. There are many ways to check your blood sugar, including skin pricks and continuous glucose monitors.

Many people with diabetes visit a primary care physician or nurse practitioner. Those with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes may not need a specialist. In other cases, a physician might recommend a visit to a specialist to confirm diabetes diagnosis or to learn about treatment options. Once you have established the diagnosis, a physician may work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for your needs. If necessary, your diabetes care team will include a pharmacist, exercise physiologists, and nutritionists.

While you may not see any symptoms of type 1 diabetes, there are many important factors to keep in mind. Keeping blood sugar levels under control is very important for young people. Uncontrolled blood sugar can affect important organs and tissues and can even be life-threatening. Children with type 1 diabetes may wet the bed and suffer from severe thirst, fatigue, and hunger. Diabetic children may experience high blood sugar, which can lead to dehydration and even blindness.

Regular blood pressure and cholesterol levels are also important. Your doctor may prescribe a statin drug if they suspect you have high cholesterol. Another preventive measure is to increase your muscle strength twice a week. Depending on your level of activity and lifestyle, you may want to consider doing push-ups and heavy gardening. The more physical activity you do, the better. Remember to follow your diet plan, and take your medications as directed. Your doctor may recommend a booster shot if you experience any complications. Also, be sure to keep an eye on your feet. If any cuts or sores appear, call your health care team.

A diabetes-care plan helps you identify treatment options and acts as a roadmap for managing your condition. A diabetes-care plan should include goals for blood sugar monitoring and the balance of healthy foods and physical activity. A diabetes-care plan also includes medication dosages and settings. By taking control of your diabetes, you can enjoy better health and avoid complications that can arise when you fail to maintain your diabetes management plan. This is an important part of your diabetes management. If you are not careful, it can be very dangerous.

In addition to your doctor's visit, you should ask for tests to measure your blood sugar. Some people may require an A1C test, which measures the average level of glucose attached to hemoglobin over the past three months. Another test is a glucose-urine test. It does not diagnose diabetes but may indicate the risk of developing it. If you have a family history of diabetes, you should undergo testing. If your child has a blood sugar level above seven, the test may show that the child has the disease. If your child is overweight, you should test her for diabetes-related ketoacidosis.

A specialist will often be necessary for diabetics. A doctor or nurse can refer a diabetic patient to a diabetes care specialist who will be able to monitor their blood sugar levels and help them manage complications that can arise. In addition to monitoring glucose levels, your health care provider may also prescribe insulin. The nurse will administer insulin intravenously and monitor vital signs and symptoms. You should also consult a specialist when you experience complications such as kidney failure or high blood pressure.

Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the Americas and is the number one killer of people under age 65. It can also result in heart attacks, kidney failure, and blindness. Poorly managed diabetes can result in many other health problems, including heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke. In addition, poorly controlled diabetes can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, tuberculosis, and kidney failure. You should consult a doctor if you have concerns about diabetes.

It is important to stay active. Diabetes requires daily care and lab tests. Make a schedule for yourself so you know when to visit the health care provider. You can also attend diabetes self-management education sessions. The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is a great resource for information on diabetes. You should check your blood sugar regularly and keep a journal of your levels to monitor your health. By following these simple steps, you can manage your condition at home.