Library

Physical activity can have an impact on blood glucose levels, and it is important to take steps to prevent low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) when engaging in physical activity. Here are some strategies to help prevent low blood glucose during physical activity.

When you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and are planning to become pregnant, your health care team will ask you to begin to lower your glucose (sugar) levels. The goal is an A1C of less than 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) by the time you become pregnant. High blood glucose (sugar) levels once pregnant can harm you and your baby. Pregnant women with diabetes have lower blood glucose (sugar) goals than women who are not pregnant.

Diabetes treatment includes lifestyle changes such as healthy meals and more activity, taking medicine, and, in some cases, insulin treatment. Treatment plans will depend on the type of diabetes you have, your lifestyle, and ideas from your healthcare team. This quick guide provides some common ways to manage diabetes.

When you get your blood glucose levels to goal, plan your meals, stay active, and meet with your healthcare team as needed, you can lower the risk of diabetes problems and live a healthy life.

The best indication that diabetes is well managed can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs and markers that suggest effective diabetes management. This includes keeping blood glucose in good control. 

Creating a healthy meal plan is an essential component of lowering your A1C and managing diabetes. Here are some tips to help you develop a balanced and diabetes-friendly meal plan.

Physical activity and healthy snacking play crucial roles in managing diabetes. 

Living with diabetes can be challenging and stressful at times. However, there are several strategies you can adopt to help avoid or manage stress while managing your diabetes.

Attending diabetes education classes can be highly beneficial for individuals with diabetes. These classes provide valuable information, skills, and support to help you take the best care of your diabetes.

Knowing when to reach out to your healthcare provider during sick days is crucial, especially for individuals with diabetes. This infographic provides some situations when you should consider contacting your healthcare provider.

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how the body processes glucose (sugar), leading to high blood sugar levels. There are different types of diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes, most commonly associated with type 1 diabetes. It occurs when there is a severe shortage of insulin in the body, leading to a buildup of ketones (acidic byproducts of fat breakdown) in the blood.

Open and honest communication with your healthcare provider is crucial for effective diabetes management. They are your partners in your diabetes care and can provide the guidance and support you need to lead a healthy and fulfilling life with diabetes.

Checking your blood glucose levels regularly is a crucial component of lowering your A1C and effectively managing diabetes. Remember to discuss your blood glucose testing schedule and target ranges with your healthcare team. They can provide personalized guidance and help you interpret the results to make appropriate adjustments to your diabetes management plan.

Learn as much as you can about diabetes, its management, and the lifestyle changes necessary for effective control. Understanding the condition can alleviate anxiety and empower you to make informed decisions.

During illness, it can be challenging to remember all the necessary steps and precautions to manage diabetes effectively. Here is a quick guide that can be easily accessed during sick days.

Keeping appointments with your healthcare team is an important part of taking the best care of your diabetes.

Ketones are chemical compounds produced by the liver when there is a shortage of insulin or when the body cannot effectively use glucose as an energy source. They are byproducts of the breakdown of fatty acids in the liver.

Preparing for your visit with your healthcare provider when you have diabetes can help ensure a productive and informative appointment.

It is important to keep learning about diabetes because it is a complex and dynamic condition that requires ongoing education and understanding.

Lowering your A1C (a measure of average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months) is an important goal in diabetes management. In addition to lifestyle modifications, medications may be prescribed to help achieve and maintain target A1C levels.

Monitoring certain parameters at home is an important part of managing diabetes.

Sick days can present unique challenges for individuals with diabetes, as illness can affect blood sugar levels and overall diabetes management.

Sick-Day Rules: 15g of Carbohydrates typically refers to a guideline for managing blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes when they are feeling unwell. During illness, it's common for blood sugar levels to become more difficult to control, and changes in appetite, hydration, and medication requirements can occur. The "15g of Carbohydrates" rule is a strategy to help stabilize blood sugar levels during sickness.

Routine labs and goals for people with diabetes may vary depending on individual factors such as the type of diabetes, overall health, and any specific complications. However, here are some common routine labs and goals for managing diabetes.

When you have diabetes and need to make specific dietary choices, it's important to communicate your needs clearly when requesting a meal prep method at a restaurant. Here are some steps to help you request a specific meal prep method:

Using an insulin pen for administering insulin is a common method for managing diabetes. Here are the general steps for using an insulin pen.

Before going out, make sure you have all your necessary supplies, including your insulin, blood glucose meter, and any other diabetes management tools. If possible, review the restaurant's menu online before visiting. Look for healthier options that are lower in carbohydrates and added sugars. This will help you estimate the insulin dose you may need. When you arrive at the restaurant, inform your server about your dietary needs and that you have diabetes.

While it's important to note that dietary and herbal supplements should not replace medical advice or prescribed medications for diabetes management, some supplements have been studied for their potential benefits in supporting blood sugar control. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.

When traveling while taking insulin, it's important to plan ahead and be prepared to go through airport security smoothly. Here are some tips to help you navigate airport security.

Blood glucose targets can vary depending on individual factors such as age, overall health, duration of diabetes, and other existing health conditions. It's important to work closely with your healthcare team, including your doctor or diabetes educator, to determine the specific blood glucose targets that are appropriate for you. However, here are general guidelines for blood glucose targets recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA)

Using a vial and syringe is another common method for administering insulin. Here are the general steps for using a vial and syringe.

An insulin checklist is important for individuals with diabetes who require insulin. By having an insulin checklist, you can promote good diabetes management, minimize disruptions in insulin therapy, and maintain better control of your blood sugar levels, ultimately supporting your overall health and well-being

The plate method is a simple and practical way to plan balanced meals for individuals with diabetes. It helps ensure that your meals contain a variety of nutrients and are portioned appropriately.

Maintaining a budget-friendly grocery list while living with diabetes is possible with careful planning and smart choices. Here's a list of affordable, diabetes-friendly foods that can help you manage your blood sugar levels while being mindful of your expenses

When traveling while taking insulin, it's important to plan ahead and take certain precautions to ensure you can manage your diabetes effectively.

This diagram can serves as a reference tool and a quick reminder of where to inject. It provides a visual memory aid ensuring that injections are administered accurately.

Timing your insulin injection and carefully selecting your meals are crucial when dining out while taking insulin. Here's a more detailed explanation of how to approach these aspects.

Having a Medical ID and emergency contact numbers readily available is crucial for individuals living with diabetes. Remember to regularly update your contact information and any changes in your medical condition to ensure accurate and up-to-date information is available in case of an emergency

When stocking your pantry, it's essential to address safety concerns with proper storage to ensure the quality and safety of your food. Here are some guidelines to consider.

Knowing about type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and how they differ helps people at risk for diabetes and their healthcare team know when and how to check for diabetes, understand how to manage it, stay healthy and lower the risk of diabetes problems.

There are many factors that may alter your overall mood while managing your diabetes. Here are a few suggestions on things you can do to improve your mood.

Managing stress and your diabetes can feel overwhelming. Stress can increase your blood glucose levels, which increases your risk for complications. Here are some suggestions to taking control of your stress.

Common signs that your stress is affecting your diabetes control could be forgetting to take your medication on time or at all, and overeating or not eating enough.

Blood glucose levels can also be affected by the stress and emotions you experience.

General  blood glucose targets as a reference. Always check with your healthcare team as your target numbers may differ.

Managing your diabetes means that you may need to check your blood glucose at different times depending on life changes. Here the most common reasons to check your blood glucose more often than usual.