Prevention
Preventing type 1 diabetes
Currently there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes, but ongoing studies are exploring ways to prevent diabetes in those who are most likely to develop it. People who have a parent, brother, or sister with type 1 diabetes and are willing to participate in one of these studies should talk with their doctors. They may want to be tested for islet cell antibodies, because if they have these antibodies, they are more likely to get diabetes.
Vaccines have not been found to contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes.1 Children who are at risk for developing diabetes still need to get the recommended immunizations. See the childhood immunization schedule recommended by the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Diabetes and Exercise: Ideas to Get You Moving
If you have diabetes, your doctor may have been telling you for ages: You need to exercise more. Physical activity helps control blood sugar and cuts your risk of heart problems and other diabetes complications. But knowing that you're supposed to exercise doesn't make it easier to do it. On top of the problems that everybody has sticking to an exercise plan -- busy schedules, families, work -- diabetes itself creates barriers to staying fit. Diabetes complications such as nerve damage, foot problems,...
Read the Diabetes and Exercise: Ideas to Get You Moving article > >
Preventing diabetes complications
People with type 1 diabetes can help prevent or delay the development of complications by keeping their blood sugar in a target range. They also need regular medical checkups to detect early signs of complications. If complications are treated early, the damage may be stopped, slowed, or possibly reversed.
People who have other health problems along with diabetes, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, need to treat those conditions. Also, not smoking can reduce the risk of complications. Having other health problems can increase the risk for complications from diabetes.
Preventing flu and pneumococcal disease
People who have diabetes should have a flu shot every year and a pneumococcal vaccine. Usually, people need only one dose of the pneumococcal vaccine. But doctors sometimes recommend a second dose for some people, especially if they have a long-term disease. Talk with your doctor about whether you need a second dose. The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria. People with diabetes, especially those who have heart or kidney disease, are at high risk for complications, hospitalization, and death from flu and pneumococcal disease.5
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Diabetes GuideIs 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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