Are You in Diabetes Denial?
Tackling Type 2 Diabetes continued...
Don't forget your flu shot. People with diabetes "are at higher risk of getting the flu," says Breen. So make a stop at your primary care doctor's office on your way home from work and ask for the flu shot.
Be good to your heart. "It's critical to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and your sugar levels," says Breen. "These all play a role in your risk of stroke and heart disease. If you can bring all these numbers to within normal ranges, you can really cut your risk almost to the level of not having diabetes."
Get on with your life. "Clearly, you need to understand what type 2 diabetes means so that you don't minimize it, but don't turn it into a catastrophe," says Rubin. "You need to know what it takes to live healthy with the disease, and then you need to get on with your life."
Living Well With Type 2 Diabetes
Don White accepted his diabetes head-on when he was first diagnosed in his 40s, and together with his family, made all the necessary adjustments to his life so that he could live well with the disease. Now, at 68, he embraces a healthy way of life.
"My heart is in good shape, my blood pressure and cholesterol are low, and my eyes are excellent," says White. "Other than the aches and pains of getting old, I'm doing very well."
Like White, many people diagnosed with diabetes find they can manage the disease without it getting in the way of the things they enjoy.
"The common refrain I hear from my patients is, 'I can't believe I waited this long to start managing my diabetes. I wish I had come in so much sooner,'" says Breen.
Once they get over their diabetes denial, they are so relieved to hear the news that it is a condition that is manageable, she explains, and it's not the end of all things pleasurable.
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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