Diabetes Health

 

Take Control
10 Things to do When You're Newly Diagnosed

 

1. Get Ready; Get Set----Then Go!

Before you begin the search for answers, take a deep breath and relax! Diabetes management is a process that will take time and effort, but it's important to understand that you are not alone. There are many people and resources to help you as you learn to control your blood glucose.

 

2. Assemble Your Health-Care Team

Each member of your health-care team plays an important role in your care. Your doctor will design your treatment plan, which may include

Your doctor may encourage you to visit with other healthcare professionals, including a 

3. Set Reasonable, Measurable Goals

Learning to live well with diabetes is a balancing act: You must be able to acknowledge that diabetes is a serious condition without becoming overwhelmed by its day-to-day demands. Again, remember that other stand ready to help you.

 

Analyze the tasks that lie ahead as you learn to manage your diabetes. And if you need to make several important lifestyle changes, don't try to change everything at once. Ask members of your team which changes will have the biggest positive impact on your health, and start there.

 

4. Plan Your Diet Carefully

Treatment for everyone with diabetes involves meal planning. While making proper food choices, you will learn to eat the foods you enjoy, control portion sizes, and time meals to avoid high and low blood glucose levels. Some strategies for meal planning and weight loss may include

There is no single, correct meal plan for everyone. Your dietitian will help you construct the meal plan that's best for you.

 

5. Exercise Regularly

To control your blood glucose, exercise three or four times a week for 35 to 45 minutes. Exercise improves heart, blood vessel, and muscle function. Let your doctor know if you are beginning a new exercise program. Set reasonable exercise goals. Begin slowly and keep a record of your exercise activity. Good exercises include

6. Test Blood Glucose

your doctor may ask you to do self blood glucose testing. Testing shows how well food, exercise, and medication are working to help achieve your blood glucose goals. Good times to test blood glucose include

Your doctor or nurse educator will teach you how to test and will determine when and how often to test. Always bring your blood glucose testing record when you visit your doctor.

 

7. Use Medication Wisely

Your doctor may prescribe pills or insulin to lower your blood glucose. When taking medication, you need to know

You should take diabetes pills or insulin at the same time every day. Also, remember that diabetes medication cannot take the place of regular exercise and a healthy diet. 

The way your diabetes medication works may be affected by some over-the-counter medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which over-the-counter medications you can take safely.

 

8. Share Concerns with Family and Friends

Many people find the support of family, friends, and coworkers invaluable in achieving control and enhancing their feeling of well-being.

 

Individuals who are knowledgeable and encouraging can help you stay focused. But if they are misinformed, loved ones can become the "diabetes police." You may see them as people who are always handing out citations for violations of the rules. It's important to teach you r loved ones how to give effective support.

 

9. Tap Resources

Members of your healthcare team are your first resource. The local hospital, pharmacy, and library may provide information about special programs and classes. Consult your insurance company to clarify benefits.

National organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse can be good sources of information. 

The manufacturers of supplies and equipment can provide product information. Several magazines and Web sites publish the latest information and provide and opportunity to exchange ideas with other people with diabetes from around the world.

 

10. Value Your Strengths

When you identify areas where you need improvement, you'll want to take action: Ask your health-care team for help. 

But it's also important some time every day to congratulate yourself on achieving balance in management. Focus on your accomplishments, not on your less-than- successful moments.

You may even want to keep an ongoing journal where you can record your big and little victories-a reminder of how much you are learning from day to day.

 

Free for You!

To record your glucose A blood-glucose level diary is a handy place to note blood glucose levels throughout the day. The record you build is an important tool in managing your diabetes. For a free diary, call Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500.

 

For a free newsletter For your free subscription to Voice of the Diabetic, write 811 Cherry Street, Suite309, Columbia, MO 65201 or call 1-573-875-8911. This information newsletter for all people with diabetes is produced by the National Federation of the Blind since diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in America.

 

For a new way to take insulin Try an insulin pen. Call Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500. When you buy a box of on insulin, you can arrange to receive a free pen, a free pen, a free box of needles, and training you'll need to use them.

 

To eat well For a free subscription to All Things Equal, a newsletter containing recipes and tips for using Equal® sugar substitute with aspartame, call 1-800-323-5316.

 

Article Taken From: Successful Living with Diabetes

E-Mail: sldiabetes@spc.com

 

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