Tips for Managing Blood Sugar

By Rhonda Meyer, FNP, FamilyHealth Medical Clinic - Lakeville

If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, taking proper care of yourself can make the difference between staying healthy or suffering complications of uncontrolled diabetes – a list that can include vision problems, infections and amputations, heart problems and kidney failure. Monitoring blood sugar levels is the bedrock of diabetes care. Here's why: Diabetes is caused by either the body not making enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or not using its own insulin properly (type 2 diabetes), causing sugars to build up in the bloodstream.

Blood glucose levels can fluctuate for a number of reasons. Keeping track of these factors can help you and your doctor get a clear picture of your health and make decisions about the best care for you. In the December 2011 issue of Diabetes Forecast, Paris Roach, MD, highlighted six important things to note:

•The results of your daily blood glucose readings. Ask your doctor for guidelines on how and when to check your blood sugar.
•The timing and amount of carbohydrates you eat.
•The timing and amount of physical activity you engage in.
•The timing and severity of hypoglycemic episodes.
•The timing and doses of your medications.
•Information about changes in your health status, including illnesses and medical procedures.

Keep track of these six factors that affect blood sugar levels in one place – a diabetes log – then share those findings with your doctor. It offers a good idea of how well your diabetes is being managed overall, and can help guide your treatment and care.

For more help managing blood sugar levels, talk to your doctor or call Rhonda Meyer at the FamilyHealth Medical Clinic - Lakeville, 952-469-0500.