Diabetes Mellitus with Hypero... : In Depth - Taking Control
Print
Email
SaveHealthline's Premium Tools
Symptom Search
Discover possible causes based on the symptoms you enter. It's fast, convenient and easy to use.
Discover possible causes based on the symptoms you enter. It's fast, convenient and easy to use.
Healthline Part D Plan Selector
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
Advertisement
Marketplace
Licensed from
Reading Room
|
The official term for blood sugar is glucose, and having either too little or too much of it occupies the minds of people with diabetes daily -- even hourly. But keeping blood sugar at safe levels can be achieved by most patients through monitoring, diet, exercise and drug therapy.
|
|
 |
Monitoring the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood is the key to controlling your diabetes. To be sure your glucose and insulin are in balance, check your blood sugar regularly. You can check your blood sugar level by using a blood glucose meter. Here's how.
|
|
The purpose of blood sugar is to provide "food" for your body's cells. Glucose is the sugar that provides energy all cells in your body need.
|
 |
Too much glucose (sugar) in your blood is called hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. It can be caused by eating too much food, especially carbohydrates, by not being active, or by not taking your medication.
|
 |
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 put you at risk for it.
|
 |
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.
|
Reading Room
|
Eating a diet that can reduce your risk of disease and increase your longevity doesn't have to be difficult.
Primarily, it requires paying attention to what you eat and gradually replacing less healthy foods and eating habits with healthier ones.
|
|
|
Although some studies show people on these diets can lose weight in the short term, questions remain as to whether they can maintain their weight loss and their health over time.
|
|
|
When you find yourself seeking out food to comfort you, you are eating in response to your emotions, rather than to hunger.
|
|
|
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. But you do need to follow some guidelines.
|
 |
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 problems.
|
 |
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.
|
 |
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. A healthy goal is to have less than 30% of your daily calories come from fat. Instead of fats, eat more fruits, grains, and vegetables.
|
 |
The diabetes food pyramid is a tool to help you eat a wide range of healthy foods. You can use it to plan low-fat meals and snacks that include carbohydrates and protein.
|
 |
Comparing labels will help you choose foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt) and calories.
|
 |
Some foods are weighed in ounces. Some are measured in spoons or cups. Others, like fruits, are based on an average, or medium, size. Here are some serving sizes and tips to help you judge just what 1 serving looks like.
|
 |
Choose carefully and cook wisely. As you shop, think about how the foods you choose will fit into your meal plan. When you cook, try to cut down on sugar and fat. If you have high blood pressure, cut down on salt as well.
|
|
Eating right is an important step in keeping your blood glucose in balance. You can eat out and be healthy—you just need to be aware of what you order. This meal plan will give you plenty of healthy foods to choose from.
|
|
Carbohydrates are one of the three main parts of food; fats and proteins are the other two. All three components can affect your blood sugar level, but carbohydrates do so more quickly.
|
|
Is it OK for people with diabetes to drink alcohol? This is something only you and your health care provider can answer.
|
Reading Room
|
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.
|
|
|
The day you wake up with a cold or some other illness, it's time to ponder: Should you go ahead and exercise -- or roll over and get some extra sleep?
|
|
|
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 last time you got any real exercise.
|
|
|
"We now know that exercise is the most underrated health precaution anyone, even those with chronic conditions, can take," says J. Larry Durstine, Ph.D., a spokesman for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
|
|
|
Maintaining a healthy weight takes a balance between caloric intake (eating) and calories burned (activity).
|
|
 |
Even small movements can greatly improve your health. Simple activity can also boost your mental outlook. And you may spend less money on your health care. Think of it this way: Small steps may take you a long distance.
|
 |
Simple and small movements can get you started exercising. You don't need to join a gym to start moving. Make it easy on yourself and you will be able to make exercising a habit. Slow, gentle, and easy is the way to begin to make exercising part of your life.
|
 |
Once you become more active, you may be ready to increase the pace. Choose an exercise you enjoy. Just be sure to warm up, cool down, and stay safe. And learn when it's time to stop exercising.
|
|
Daily exercise can lower your blood sugar level, help you control your weight, and improve your circulation, blood pressure, and heart health. It can also give you more energy, make you stronger, and help relieve stress.
|
 |
Good warm-ups and cool-downs can keep you from getting hurt when you do more intense aerobic activities that last 30 minutes or longer.
|
 |
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. You're working your heart and lungs. Try adding a few activities for other muscles in your body, too.
|
 |
Getting your heart to work at the right pace means you'll develop better aerobic endurance. A stronger heart can pump more oxygen to your muscles. Then you don't tire as quickly during your hobbies, sports, or daily activities.
|
Reading Room
|
If you have more than two medications to manage, consider getting a pill organizer -- a special container marked with the days of the week. Besides housing multiple medications, a compartmentalized organizer can be useful for keeping track of the medications you've taken.
|
|
|
What makes some people sticklers for following through with their medications, and others haphazard at best?
|
|
|
Pharmacists do much more than count tablets and pour liquids. Their main job is to focus on the medications you take and the effect they have.
|
|
|
Diabetes pills can help to manage your blood sugar. These pills are not insulin. They work to manage your blood sugar in several ways.
|
 |
Take the time to learn about your medicine. For instance, why are you taking it? What does it do? Work with your doctor or other health care providers to get the answers you need.
|
 |
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.
|
|
The average American older than 65 takes two to seven prescription drugs daily; managing these medications properly is essential for good health.
|
|
Insulin pumps are used most often by people with type 1 diabetes, but some people with type 2 diabetes use them, too.
|
Reading Room
|
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.
|
|
|
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. Your approach to weight loss should be to make changes you can keep up for the rest of your life.
|
|
|
Whether you have tried to lose weight on your own or with the help of a weight-loss program, the focus is too often on severely restrictive diets and unrealistic goals, nutrition experts say.
|
|
|
The latest studies conclude that a successful weight-loss plan is a mind/body undertaking that not only involves monitoring calorie intake and expenditure, but dealing with the psychological side of weight loss and habit change.
|
|
 |
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.
|
|
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. But the way most diets are set up often leads to failure.
|
 |
Before you decide that you won't be happy until you get down to a certain number of pounds, consider your age, gender and current weight.
|
 |
Body mass index (BMI) is a way of finding a healthyweight. The higher your BMI, the greater your risk for obesity and health problems. Use this chart.
|
 |
For some people, a healthy weight is higher or lower than average. Your doctor can help you decide on a healthy weight for you.
|
|
You can keep the weight off, if you make changes slowly and stick with them. Consider that you may never find the perfect time to lose weight. Decide that the right time to be healthier is now.
|
 |
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. Learn new eating habits to manage your weight.
|
 |
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.
|
 |
It's easy to be motivated when you first start. The key is to stay motivated all along the way. Here are things you can do to keep yourself on the path to success.
|
Reading Room
|
For people with diabetes, eyes and feet can be potential trouble spots. You should have an eye exam and a foot exam every year.
|
|
|
Foot problems stem from three aspects of diabetes: nerve damage (neuropathy), poor circulation and decreased resistance to infection, says the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).
|
|
|
Because of recent medical advances, people with diabetes can do a lot more these days to help control their disease.
|
 |
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 and skin.
|
 |
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.
|
 |
When you have diabetes, your feet need special care. Even a small foot problem can become very serious. Practice self-care to protect your feet and keep them healthy.
|
 |
Dealing with stress isn't easy. And being tired or in pain can make stress worse. Learning to control stress does take effort. Yet reducing stress can help you stay healthy.
|
 |
Exercise, quitting smoking, and taking your medications right can help you control your cholesterol.
|
 |
High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the silent killer. This is because many people who have it don't know it. You can take an easy test to see if your blood pressure is too high. If it is high, you can take steps to lower it. Doing so could save your life.
|
 |
Smoking has been linked with many serious illnesses. It also has been shown to increase signs of aging.
|
 |
When you are trying to quit, the support of friends, coworkers and family members can make a big difference.
|
|
The stress of illness or injury can cause blood sugar to rise and make insulin less effective. This can lead to serious problems, including diabetic coma. That's why it's important to know what to do when illness strikes.
|
Reading Room
|
Between regular appointments, what should you do if symptoms flare up, or new ones appear?
|
|
|
To avoid wasting valuable time, be prepared for every doctor visit, using these suggestions.
|
|
|
Here are suggestions that can help you work with your doctor if you choose to use alternative therapies.
|
|
|
Whatever the reason for needing a new primary care physician, these suggestions can help you find the right doctor.
|
|
|
When you and your health care provider communicate well regarding health and personal issues, your health benefits.
|
|
|
Diabetes affects the body in many complex ways, and having a team to help you stay as healthy and vital as possible, for as long as possible, is key.
|
 |
For your diabetes care, you may see your primary care provider or a specialist 2–4 times a year. Here we list some of the regular exams and tests recommended for people with diabetes.
|
|
It's no picnic being a patient. But as long as you have to be one, it pays to make the most of it.
|
|
Few tests can match the routine urine analysis for telling your doctor what's going on inside your body.
|
|
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.
|
|
To manage your diabetes, it's important to get regular health exams. This list will help you track which exams you need.
|
|
Diabetes affects every part of your life, and it can create problems that aren't easy to talk about with your health care provider.
|
 |
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.
|
 |
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.
|
 |
Taking care of yourself 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 situations.
|
|
Immunization against the viruses that cause influenza can prevent an infection or lessen its severity. Find out if you should be getting a flu shot each year.
|
|
Do you sometimes wonder if you can keep up with the day-to day management of your diabetes? It's natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Try these tips to help keep yourself on the path to good health.
|
|
Here are some common obstacles that you may have encountered and tips for getting beyond them.
|
|
Getting in shape through diet and exercise is rarely a linear process; even the most dedicated person is bound to have setbacks. But by setting realistic goals and facing your fears and stumbling blocks, you can get fit and improve your health as a result.
|
 |
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.
|
|
Meal planning and blood sugar monitoring. Medicines and multiple injections. The day-in and day-out requirements of diabetes management can overwhelm those with this chronic disease.
|
|
Living with diabetes means making many changes in your life, and these changes may seem overwhelming. When you feel down, reach out to your family and friends, and to your healthcare team. Here are a list of other resources.
|
 |
 |
Home | About | Health Experts | Careers | Site Map | Feedback | Help | Health Tools | Tell a Friend
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2005 - 2008 Healthline Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.