You can control your blood sugar levels the following ways:
- Changing diet and eating habits
- Exercising regularly (check with your doctor to find out what type of exercise is best for you)
- Losing weight if needed
- Keeping blood pressure within normal limits
- Take medication as ordered
You can test your success in the following ways:
- Test your blood sugar levels at home
- Have your doctor do a test that measures your average blood glucose levels for the past several months
- Have a urine test at least once a year to check for early signs of kidney damage
- Have your eyes checked yearly with drops that dilate the pupils
- Have the doctor look at both of your feet at every visit
- Have a complete cholesterol test at least once a year
- Ask your doctor about the role of ACE Inhibitors
- Ask you doctor if you need a yearly flu shot or a pneumonia vaccination
The following is a brief explanation of the tests that you should have done periodically. Remember that these tests are covered under your benefits, however, any co-pay, coinsurance, or deductibles may apply and will be your responsibility. Write down any questions you have for the doctor before every visit. Ask your doctor how often you need to have these tests performed. Work with your doctor to help ensure your continued good health. We encourage you to get involved in your care. The more you know about diabetes, the better you will be able to control it.
THESE DIABETES TESTS AND CHECKUPS ARE IMPORTANT
Hemoglobin A1c
Prolonged high blood sugar levels can lead to major complications. This is a very important blood test that is ordered by the doctor. It is different than the blood sugar test you do with a drop of blood from your finger. This blood test gives the doctor information about your average blood sugar level during the past 2-3 months. If your A1c is higher than the normal range, then the doctor knows that your average blood sugar has been elevated during that time. The American Diabetes Association recommends a goal of less than 7% for this test. More importantly, if your recent A1c is lower than your last test, then the doctor knows that you are now doing better than before. This is helpful in determining your course of treatment. This test should be done at least twice a year and more often if the results are high.
Urine Test
When diabetes is uncontrolled, the kidneys must constantly filter large amounts of sugar out of the blood. Over time, the kidney blood vessels become thickened and clogged so they can no longer filter sugar and waste products. This allows waste to build up to harmful levels. Your doctor can check to see if you have kidney damage by testing the level of certain waste products in your urine. The American Diabetes Association recommends having this test performed at least once a year.
Cholesterol Profile
Uncontrolled sugar in the blood stream can damage large blood vessels, and scars can form inside these vessels trapping cholesterol from the blood. Over time the large blood vessels become blocked and the heart must work harder to pump blood through clogged vessels. This can lead to heart attacks, high blood pressure and strokes. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you have a complete cholesterol test (Lipid Profile) done at least every year or as your doctor orders.
Eye Examination
Diabetes can cause changes in your eyes. These changes occur in the small blood vessels in the interior of the eye in the area called the retina. If diabetes is uncontrolled, new, abnormal blood vessels grow. They are very fragile and tend to bleed. Have your eyes dilated and examined closely at least once a year. When you make your appointment, make sure the doctor knows that you have diabetes.
Foot Examination
There are two reasons people with diabetes must be careful of their feet. The first is they tend to develop problems with their blood vessels that result in lack of blood supply to the feet. The second is that people with diabetes tend to lose some of the sensation in their feet. This is caused by damage to the nerves. Have your doctor check your feet at each regular diabetes care visit.
LINKS: By continuing on to the following sites, you understand and agree to our disclaimer.
Diabetes Center for Parents
"What happens in diabetes?" (Flash movie)
Asthma Center for Teens
www.diabetes.org
www.niddk.nih.gov
www.diabetesworld.com
wwww.diabetesmonitor.com
For children with diabetes:
Diabetes Center for Kids
Diabetes Center for Teens
www.childrenwithdiabetes.com
www.jdfcure.org
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