Take control of your diabetes
Rosalie Leman is a certified diabetes educator for Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, Ariz.
Question: I recently was diagnosed with diabetes. What steps do I need to take to live well with this condition?
Answer: Diabetes is a condition caused by the body's inability to use sugar as a result of no insulin or because the insulin you make doesn't work. Those with diabetes who do not have good control of their blood sugar (glucose) have a high risk of developing complications such as blindness or heart disease.
To take care of your diabetes you must control your blood sugar level. Your health-care team, including diabetes educators, can help you design a personal health plan.
To remember the steps of your plan, think of them as your "N.E.E.D.S.S." of diabetes care:
- Nutrition: Choose a variety of healthy foods including proteins, carbohydrates and fats, and use moderate portions. Stay hydrated.
- Exercise: Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to control blood sugar and protect your overall health.
- Education: The more you understand good diabetes care, the better your health will be. There are many resources available. Ask your health care team.
- Diabetes medicine: Your doctor will work with you to determine if you need medicine and what type would be best for you. Be sure to take it as directed.
- Self-monitor: Regularly check your blood sugar at home to know if your plan is working. Do daily foot care and have regular health checks with your doctor.
- Solve problems: Learn to recognize and treat problems such as low blood sugar and prevent conditions such as foot problems or heart disease.
Reviewed January 2011