June 1999
Living With Diabetes |
| The
secret to living well with diabetes is to maintain your blood sugar level within the range
your doctor has suggested. |
Type 2 diabetes is a common disease among seniors,
especially those who may be overweight and a bit inactive. If you have diabetes--along
with 14 million other Americans--it is more important than ever to pay attention to
certain lifestyle factors, in order to keep yourself in the best of health.
The secret to living well with diabetes is to maintain your blood sugar level within
the range your doctor has suggested. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases , there are four main ways you can do this:
- Eat healthy food. Try to eat foods that are low in fat,
salt, and sugar, and high in fiber, such as beans, fruits, vegetables, and grains. This
will help you stay at a desirable weight, keep your blood sugar in a good range, and
prevent cardiovascular disease. You should, however, have a dietary plan that has been
individualized for you by a dietician (whom your physician can refer you to). If you don't
use insulin, be sure to follow your meal plan and don't skip meals. If you use insulin,
give yourself a shot before you eat, eat about the same time of day and the same amount of
food daily, and don't skip meals.
- Get regular exercise. Most
exercises are beneficial, even house-cleaning and gardening! Exercise will help you keep
your weight down, help insulin work better, give you energy, and protect your heart and
lungs. Try to exercise at least three times a week for 30 - 45 minutes. If you haven't
eaten for over an hour or if your blood sugar is less than 100 -120, have a small snack
before exercising. If you use insulin, exercise after eating (not before), test your blood
sugar before and after exercise, and don't exercise before you go to sleep (it may cause
low blood sugar during the night). If you take diabetes pills, test your blood sugar
before exercising.
- Take your diabetes medicine every day: When diet alone
doesn't lower your blood sugar, you will be prescribed insulin (if your body doesn't make
enough), pills, or both. Never change the amount or type of insulin or your schedule of
injections before talking with your doctor. Always use your own needles and keep extra
insulin on hand in the refrigerator. If you take pills, remember they do not lower blood
sugar by themselves; you still need to follow your diet and to exercise. Inform your
doctor if you notice any side effects from the pills.
- Test your blood sugar every day: This will help you determine
how well you are managing your diabetes. You can test your blood sugar in several ways,
which your doctor will explain. If your blood has too much or too little sugar in it, your
doctor may change your diet, exercise plan, or medication. Keep daily records of
 your
blood sugar, the times of your injections, the amount of insulin, and the results of urine
tests (which look for harmful substances called ketones). It is also helpful to enter the
foods you eat and whether you feel sick or very tired on a given day. This will help the
doctor determine if changes are needed in your treatment. Your diary is also a good place
to enter the results of other special tests the doctor will occasionally order.
|
Contact Us:
Senior
Care Preferred
1-513-585-6462
. |
