Managing your diabetes will help you feel your best and live a healthy life. Understanding you diabetes is an important first step to treating your diabetes.
Blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is an important source of energy for your body. Glucose comes from two sources: the food you eat and your liver. When you have diabetes, you have too much glucose in your blood. Too much glucose can lead to serious health problems.
To regulate the amount of glucose in your blood, your pancreas makes insulin, which turns glucose into the energy you need. But if you have diabetes, your body cannot make enough insulin, or is not able to use the insulin it makes properly.
It is important to know the ABC's of diabetes. The "A" in ABC stands for the A1C test. This blood test tells you how well you controlled your blood sugar during the past three months. If you A1C is seven or less, you are doing a great job managing your diabetes. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to see what target is right for you. Try to meet this target by eating healthy, exercising, and taking your diabetes medicine as prescribed. When your doctor asks you to get your A1C test, be sure to go and get it done.
The "B" stands for blood pressure. Try to keep your blood pressure under 130/80. A diet low in fat and salt can help lower blood pressure; but sometimes diet is not enough. Your doctor may prescribe medicine that can lower your blood pressure. It is important that you take your blood pressure medicine every day exactly how your doctor prescribes it. If you miss a dose, call your PCP or pharmacist for instructions.
The "C" stands for cholesterol. Having high cholesterol increases your risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart attack. There are two kinds of cholesterol in the body: LDL, which is the bad cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol, which is the good cholesterol. LDL cholesterol sticks to your blood vessels and makes it harder for your heart to pump blood. The HDL cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from your blood vessels. For diabetics, the LDL goal is less than 100; while the HDL goal for men is more than 40, and more than 50 for women. You can reduce your LDL by eating healthy, fiber-rich foods. Eating grilled or baked foods is a better choice than fried. Eating high-fiber foods, such as oatmeal or whole wheat bread, also helps lower LDL levels.
There is even a more important letter in the alphabet than A, B, or C that will control your diabetes. That letter is "U." You are the one who can best manage your diabetes with the help of your healthcare team. You can do this by:
* Taking your medications every day, no matter how you feel. Call your provider if you have any side effects to the medicine you are taking or if you are too sick to take them.
* Eating a low-fat, fiber-rich diet. Talk to your PCP at your medical home to help you develop a meal plan, if you do not have one.
* If you drink alcohol, do not drink more than two alcoholic beverages a day. Drink alcohol with food, and avoid sugary drinks, like daiquiris and margaritas. Alcohol can interfere with your diabetes medicine. Talk to your PCP about whether drinking alcohol is safe for you.
* Get moving 30-60 minutes a day. Walking is a great way to do this. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that do not pinch your feet. Before starting any exercise program, talk to your provider about what exercise would be best for you.
* Ask for support if you feel down or overwhelmed. Talking to a support group, friend, or clergy member about your concerns can help you stay motivated and reduce stress.
* Check your blood sugar as often as your PCP wants you to. Writing these numbers down in a notebook will help you keep track of your blood sugar throughout the day.
* Check your skin for sores or blisters. Call your PCP if you have changes in eyesight, or experience numbness in your hands or feet.
Diabetes is a serious disease. With proper diet, exercise, medication, and help from your medical home, you can manage it. Remember that "U" are the most important part of this. Get started today.
If you do not know who your PCP is or would like help scheduling an appointment with your PCP, call Illinois Health Connect. We can help you! The toll-free number is 1-877-912-1999 (TTY: 1-866-565-8577).
