If you have pre-diabetes, you’re at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. It means that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be called diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes Risk TestIf you take action to manage your blood sugar when you have pre-diabetes, you may be able to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA),
41 million Americans have
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pre-diabetes. Although people with pre-diabetes may have no symptoms, studies show that most people with the condition develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. People with pre-diabetes are also at greater risk of heart disease and stroke.
Dealing with pre-diabetes
Just like people with type 2 diabetes, your doctor will want you to make changes to eat healthier and get more exercise.
Your doctor will probably want you to lose weight (through diet and moderate exercise, such as walking, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week). Even if you can’t reach your ideal body weight, a loss of just 10 to 15 pounds can make a difference.
Showing posts with label Diabetes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diabetes. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Diabetes Symptoms
Many people with type 2 diabetes never show any signs. But some people do show symptoms, which are caused by high blood sugar. The most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes are:
* Greater need to urinate
* Frequent hunger or thirst
* Weight loss
* Blurred vision
* Tingling/numbness in hands or feet
* Feeling tired
* Very dry skin
* Slow-healing sores
* Infections
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Some of these issues may seem minor, but, with time, they can lead to much more serious complications. If you manage your blood sugar now, though, you may reduce your risk of complications from diabetes later.
Even when you’re doing your best to manage your diabetes, your blood sugar can get extremely high or too low. Know the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and what to do about them.
* Greater need to urinate
* Frequent hunger or thirst
* Weight loss
* Blurred vision
* Tingling/numbness in hands or feet
* Feeling tired
* Very dry skin
* Slow-healing sores
* Infections
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Some of these issues may seem minor, but, with time, they can lead to much more serious complications. If you manage your blood sugar now, though, you may reduce your risk of complications from diabetes later.
Even when you’re doing your best to manage your diabetes, your blood sugar can get extremely high or too low. Know the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and what to do about them.
type 2 diabetes
About Type 2 Diabetes
When you have type 2 diabetes, high levels of sugar build up in your blood. This can lead to serious health complications. That's why controlling your blood sugar is key to managing diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar under control lowers your risk for complications later. High blood sugar can harm your organs and raise your risk of heart disease.
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Having type 2 diabetes means that your body doesn't make enough insulin, or doesn't properly use the insulin your body makes. Insulin is a hormone that is made in your pancreas. It helps your body's cells use sugar (also called glucose), which comes from foods and drinks. Sugar is a source of energy for cells.
This site focuses on type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease. Typically, with type 2 diabetes, the body still makes insulin, but its cells can't use it. This is called insulin resistance. Over time, high levels of sugar build up in the bloodstream. Being overweight and inactive increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Other main types of diabetes include:
* Type 1 diabetes, which often affects children (although adults can develop it, too). In this form of diabetes, the body can't make insulin. The immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that make and release insulin. As these cells die, blood sugar levels rise. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin shots.
* Gestational diabetes, which occurs in some pregnant women. It can cause problems during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Women who get gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Life with type 2 diabetes
Managing type 2 diabetes means making some changes to how you live. Talk with your doctor about which changes are right for you. For example, it helps to:
* Eat healthy, and lose weight if your doctor says you should
* Be more active
* Test your blood sugar regularly
* Have your doctor check your A1C level (your average blood sugar over the past two to three months)
* Take one or more diabetes medicines as prescribed by your doctor
When you have type 2 diabetes, high levels of sugar build up in your blood. This can lead to serious health complications. That's why controlling your blood sugar is key to managing diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar under control lowers your risk for complications later. High blood sugar can harm your organs and raise your risk of heart disease.
Are You in Control
Having type 2 diabetes means that your body doesn't make enough insulin, or doesn't properly use the insulin your body makes. Insulin is a hormone that is made in your pancreas. It helps your body's cells use sugar (also called glucose), which comes from foods and drinks. Sugar is a source of energy for cells.
This site focuses on type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease. Typically, with type 2 diabetes, the body still makes insulin, but its cells can't use it. This is called insulin resistance. Over time, high levels of sugar build up in the bloodstream. Being overweight and inactive increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Other main types of diabetes include:
* Type 1 diabetes, which often affects children (although adults can develop it, too). In this form of diabetes, the body can't make insulin. The immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that make and release insulin. As these cells die, blood sugar levels rise. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin shots.
* Gestational diabetes, which occurs in some pregnant women. It can cause problems during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Women who get gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Life with type 2 diabetes
Managing type 2 diabetes means making some changes to how you live. Talk with your doctor about which changes are right for you. For example, it helps to:
* Eat healthy, and lose weight if your doctor says you should
* Be more active
* Test your blood sugar regularly
* Have your doctor check your A1C level (your average blood sugar over the past two to three months)
* Take one or more diabetes medicines as prescribed by your doctor
diabetes
Ways to Help Yourself
Don't be surprised if you sometimes feel like there's lots to do to manage type 2 diabetes . Here are some tips to help you keep on track:
Stay motivated
* If you're having trouble staying with your diabetes plan, think about what the problem may be.
* Ask yourself what you need to do to get on track. Find one step that could get you started. Choose something fairly easy.
* Find things you can do to keep the problem from happening again. Focus on your successes, not your slip-ups. Don't beat yourself up for backsliding.
* It's normal to feel overwhelmed with the demands of managing diabetes. Accepting that you have diabetes doesn't mean that you have to like it.
* The more you know about diabetes, the easier it is to manage. Visit this program, whenever you need a refresher. Read books and visit respected Web sites about diabetes. Or, take a class in your community. See a diabetes educator at least once a year for more tips on living with diabetes.
Get support
* Decide what type of support you need from your family, friends, co-workers, or healthcare team. Then tell them. Odds are, they'll be happy to help and flattered that you asked them.
* Some of the areas you might need help with are setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and solving problems.
* Teach your family and friends about type 2 diabetes. Ask them to listen to what you think and feel, and to support you in making some healthy changes. For instance, they may want to exercise with you.
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Don't be surprised if you sometimes feel like there's lots to do to manage type 2 diabetes . Here are some tips to help you keep on track:
Stay motivated
* If you're having trouble staying with your diabetes plan, think about what the problem may be.
* Ask yourself what you need to do to get on track. Find one step that could get you started. Choose something fairly easy.
* Find things you can do to keep the problem from happening again. Focus on your successes, not your slip-ups. Don't beat yourself up for backsliding.
* It's normal to feel overwhelmed with the demands of managing diabetes. Accepting that you have diabetes doesn't mean that you have to like it.
* The more you know about diabetes, the easier it is to manage. Visit this program, whenever you need a refresher. Read books and visit respected Web sites about diabetes. Or, take a class in your community. See a diabetes educator at least once a year for more tips on living with diabetes.
Get support
* Decide what type of support you need from your family, friends, co-workers, or healthcare team. Then tell them. Odds are, they'll be happy to help and flattered that you asked them.
* Some of the areas you might need help with are setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and solving problems.
* Teach your family and friends about type 2 diabetes. Ask them to listen to what you think and feel, and to support you in making some healthy changes. For instance, they may want to exercise with you.
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Blood Sugar
Blood Sugar Highs & Lows
Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) happens when you eat too little or not often enough, exercise more than usual, take too much of some diabetes medicine(s), or drink alcohol. Symptoms to look out for include:
* Hunger
* Nervousness and shakiness
* Sweating
* Dizziness or light-headedness
* Sleepiness
* Confusion
* Trouble speaking
* Feeling anxious or weak
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If you have any of these symptoms, test your blood sugar. If it's low, eat or drink a small amount of something that has sugar, like two or three glucose tablets, five or six pieces of hard candy, or 1/2 cup of fruit juice.
After 15 minutes, test again. If your blood sugar is still low, or you still have symptoms, have another serving of sugar. Wait 15 minutes and test again. If you have low blood sugar several times a week, call your doctor.
If you having symptoms but your meter shows that your blood sugar is fine, recheck your blood sugar and follow the steps above. This can happen if your meter isn't working right.
NEVER DRIVE while you have low blood sugar or symptoms of low blood sugar.
Extreme High Blood Sugar
Extreme high blood sugar can lead to two life-threatening conditions:
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS) is most often seen in elderly people. It is usually caused by an illness, infection, or by missing doses of your medicine. HHNS may take days or even weeks to develop. If it continues, the severe dehydration will lead to seizures, coma and eventually death.
In HHNS, blood sugar levels rise, and the body tries to get rid of the excess sugar by passing it into your urine. You will make a lot of urine at first. Later you may not have to go to the bathroom as often, and your urine becomes very dark. You may get very thirsty. Even if you are not thirsty, drink liquids. This will help keep you from getting dehydrated.
Know the warning signs:
Very high blood sugar level (over 600 mg/dL)
* Extreme thirst (although this may gradually disappear)
* Dry mouth
* Warm, dry skin that does not sweat
* High fever
* Sleepiness or confusion
* Loss of vision
* Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
* Weakness on one side of the body
Test your blood sugar if symptoms appear. Drink fluids if you can. Call your doctor right away.
Ketoacidosis is a serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma or even death. Ketoacidosis means dangerously high levels of ketones, which are acids that build up in the blood. They appear in the urine when your body doesn't have enough insulin, and are a warning that your diabetes is out of control or that you are getting sick.
When to check for ketones
* When your blood glucose is more than 240 mg/dL, check every 4-6 hours
* When you are ill, check every 4-6 hours
* When you have any symptoms of ketoacidosis
Know the warning signs:
* Thirst or a very dry mouth
* Frequent urination
* High blood glucose (sugar) levels
* Constantly feeling tired
* Dry or flushed skin
* Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain (Vomiting can be caused by many illnesses, not just ketoacidosis. If vomiting continues for more than two hours, contact your healthcare provider.)
* A hard time breathing (short, deep breaths)
* Fruity odor on breath
* A hard time paying attention, or confusion
If you have these symptoms, test your blood sugar and your urine ketones. Call your doctor at once if:
* Your urine tests show high levels of ketones
* Your urine tests show high levels of ketones and your blood glucose level is high
* You have vomited more than twice in four hours and your urine tests show high ketones
Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) happens when you eat too little or not often enough, exercise more than usual, take too much of some diabetes medicine(s), or drink alcohol. Symptoms to look out for include:
* Hunger
* Nervousness and shakiness
* Sweating
* Dizziness or light-headedness
* Sleepiness
* Confusion
* Trouble speaking
* Feeling anxious or weak
Are You in Control
If you have any of these symptoms, test your blood sugar. If it's low, eat or drink a small amount of something that has sugar, like two or three glucose tablets, five or six pieces of hard candy, or 1/2 cup of fruit juice.
After 15 minutes, test again. If your blood sugar is still low, or you still have symptoms, have another serving of sugar. Wait 15 minutes and test again. If you have low blood sugar several times a week, call your doctor.
If you having symptoms but your meter shows that your blood sugar is fine, recheck your blood sugar and follow the steps above. This can happen if your meter isn't working right.
NEVER DRIVE while you have low blood sugar or symptoms of low blood sugar.
Extreme High Blood Sugar
Extreme high blood sugar can lead to two life-threatening conditions:
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS) is most often seen in elderly people. It is usually caused by an illness, infection, or by missing doses of your medicine. HHNS may take days or even weeks to develop. If it continues, the severe dehydration will lead to seizures, coma and eventually death.
In HHNS, blood sugar levels rise, and the body tries to get rid of the excess sugar by passing it into your urine. You will make a lot of urine at first. Later you may not have to go to the bathroom as often, and your urine becomes very dark. You may get very thirsty. Even if you are not thirsty, drink liquids. This will help keep you from getting dehydrated.
Know the warning signs:
Very high blood sugar level (over 600 mg/dL)
* Extreme thirst (although this may gradually disappear)
* Dry mouth
* Warm, dry skin that does not sweat
* High fever
* Sleepiness or confusion
* Loss of vision
* Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
* Weakness on one side of the body
Test your blood sugar if symptoms appear. Drink fluids if you can. Call your doctor right away.
Ketoacidosis is a serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma or even death. Ketoacidosis means dangerously high levels of ketones, which are acids that build up in the blood. They appear in the urine when your body doesn't have enough insulin, and are a warning that your diabetes is out of control or that you are getting sick.
When to check for ketones
* When your blood glucose is more than 240 mg/dL, check every 4-6 hours
* When you are ill, check every 4-6 hours
* When you have any symptoms of ketoacidosis
Know the warning signs:
* Thirst or a very dry mouth
* Frequent urination
* High blood glucose (sugar) levels
* Constantly feeling tired
* Dry or flushed skin
* Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain (Vomiting can be caused by many illnesses, not just ketoacidosis. If vomiting continues for more than two hours, contact your healthcare provider.)
* A hard time breathing (short, deep breaths)
* Fruity odor on breath
* A hard time paying attention, or confusion
If you have these symptoms, test your blood sugar and your urine ketones. Call your doctor at once if:
* Your urine tests show high levels of ketones
* Your urine tests show high levels of ketones and your blood glucose level is high
* You have vomited more than twice in four hours and your urine tests show high ketones
blood sugar guidelines
Blood Sugar Targets
Healthy blood sugar levels vary. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Check with your doctor to learn the right levels for your body.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have any severe symptoms.
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Understanding your numbers: blood sugar guidelines
Blood sugar reading What it means
Above 180 mg/dL A blood sugar level greater than 180 mg/dL, one to two hours after the start of a meal, or greater than 130 mg/dL before a meal, shows that your diabetes is not under good control.
Call your doctor to talk about your blood sugar level if you high blood sugar several times a week. You may need a check-up, or a change in your treatment.
100 to 140 mg/dL This is your target blood sugar range at bedtime.
90 to 130 mg/dL This is your target “fasting” blood sugar range before you eat.
70 mg/dL or below You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Seek medical attention if you get low blood sugar several times a week.
Healthy blood sugar levels vary. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Check with your doctor to learn the right levels for your body.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have any severe symptoms.
Are You In Control
Understanding your numbers: blood sugar guidelines
Blood sugar reading What it means
Above 180 mg/dL A blood sugar level greater than 180 mg/dL, one to two hours after the start of a meal, or greater than 130 mg/dL before a meal, shows that your diabetes is not under good control.
Call your doctor to talk about your blood sugar level if you high blood sugar several times a week. You may need a check-up, or a change in your treatment.
100 to 140 mg/dL This is your target blood sugar range at bedtime.
90 to 130 mg/dL This is your target “fasting” blood sugar range before you eat.
70 mg/dL or below You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Seek medical attention if you get low blood sugar several times a week.
Blood Sugar
Testing Your Blood Sugar
How to Test Your Blood SugarOne of the most important tests to help you manage your diabetes is the one you do yourself. This is the blood-sugar reading that you may take several times a day. Your doctor will tell you how often to test your blood sugar.
Often your home tests show blood sugar levels that are about 10% lower than levels found in lab tests. So, it's important to also have your blood sugar tested by your doctor.
Checking your blood sugar regularly helps you and your doctor see how your diabetes management plan is working. Your aim is to lower your blood sugar level and keep it there.
Use a Blood Sugar Log to record your blood sugar readings throughout the day. Make extra copies so that you always have enough on hand.
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How to Test Your Blood SugarOne of the most important tests to help you manage your diabetes is the one you do yourself. This is the blood-sugar reading that you may take several times a day. Your doctor will tell you how often to test your blood sugar.
Often your home tests show blood sugar levels that are about 10% lower than levels found in lab tests. So, it's important to also have your blood sugar tested by your doctor.
Checking your blood sugar regularly helps you and your doctor see how your diabetes management plan is working. Your aim is to lower your blood sugar level and keep it there.
Use a Blood Sugar Log to record your blood sugar readings throughout the day. Make extra copies so that you always have enough on hand.
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Diabetes Medicines
Your doctor may prescribe one or more medicines to help control your blood sugar, along with your plan to eat healthy and stay active.
Several kinds of medicines may help control blood sugar. Most people take pills while others take insulin. Some newer medicines for type 2 diabetes are injected. Your doctor will tell you which kind of medicine you need and why.
Over time, as your body changes, your doctor may make some changes in your treatment to help control your blood sugar. He or she may:
* Change your dose
* Add a new medicine or insulin
* Switch pills
Types of pills
Several types of pills are prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes:
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* Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of starches, such as bread, potatoes, and pasta in the intestine. They also slow the breakdown of some sugars. Their action slows the rise in blood glucose levels after a meal.
* Biguanides reduce the amount of sugar produced by the liver and make muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin so that sugar can be absorbed.
* DPP-4 inhibitors help improve A1C without causing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). They work by preventing the breakdown of a naturally occurring compound in the body.
* Sulfonylureas and meglitinides stimulate the beta cells in the pancreas to release more insulin.
* Thiazolidinediones help insulin work better in the muscle and fat and also reduce the liver’s sugar production. They target insulin resistance.
Diabetes pills don't work for everyone. Although you may find that your blood glucose levels go down when you start taking pills, your blood sugar levels may not reach the normal range.
What are the chances that diabetes pills will work for you? Your chances are good if you developed diabetes recently or have needed little or no insulin to keep your blood glucose levels near normal.
Remember, medicine is just part of your treatment. You also need to eat healthy, get regular physical activity, and check your blood sugar.
Several kinds of medicines may help control blood sugar. Most people take pills while others take insulin. Some newer medicines for type 2 diabetes are injected. Your doctor will tell you which kind of medicine you need and why.
Over time, as your body changes, your doctor may make some changes in your treatment to help control your blood sugar. He or she may:
* Change your dose
* Add a new medicine or insulin
* Switch pills
Types of pills
Several types of pills are prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes:
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* Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of starches, such as bread, potatoes, and pasta in the intestine. They also slow the breakdown of some sugars. Their action slows the rise in blood glucose levels after a meal.
* Biguanides reduce the amount of sugar produced by the liver and make muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin so that sugar can be absorbed.
* DPP-4 inhibitors help improve A1C without causing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). They work by preventing the breakdown of a naturally occurring compound in the body.
* Sulfonylureas and meglitinides stimulate the beta cells in the pancreas to release more insulin.
* Thiazolidinediones help insulin work better in the muscle and fat and also reduce the liver’s sugar production. They target insulin resistance.
Diabetes pills don't work for everyone. Although you may find that your blood glucose levels go down when you start taking pills, your blood sugar levels may not reach the normal range.
What are the chances that diabetes pills will work for you? Your chances are good if you developed diabetes recently or have needed little or no insulin to keep your blood glucose levels near normal.
Remember, medicine is just part of your treatment. You also need to eat healthy, get regular physical activity, and check your blood sugar.
control type 2 diabetes
Be More Active
Physical activity can help you control your type 2 diabetes. Before you start any kind of exercise program, see your doctor for a checkup. Ask how physical activity fits into your medicine and meal plans.
Choosing an activity
Activity CalculatorThere’s no one perfect exercise, so do something you like. Try anything that gets you going, from walking the mall to pumping iron.
Your doctor can suggest activities for you. Aim for a mix of aerobics, strength training, and flexibility stretches.
Avoid high-impact workouts, like jogging, if you have trouble feeling pain, pressure, or heat and cold, especially in your legs and feet. (This is a common problem in diabetes.) Also, people with eye disease may have limits on the kinds of exercise that they should do.
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How much activity
Try to do some physical activity every day. If you can’t, aim for three to four times a week, 30 to 60 minutes each time. Make sure to warm up before and stretch out after.
Tips
* Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.
* Stay motivated. Work out with a friend, make workout “dates” with yourself, and vary your workout, so you don’t get bored.
* Keep an exercise log, so you can see your progress.
Take care of yourself
* Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. Make sure your shoes fit well and are right for your exercise. Wear athletic socks. These steps will help you avoid blisters or calluses that could lead to infection.
* Check your blood sugar before and after you exercise. Don’t work out if your level is too high or too low.
* Exercise with a friend who knows you have diabetes, or wear a medical ID bracelet, in case you have low blood sugar.
Physical activity can help you control your type 2 diabetes. Before you start any kind of exercise program, see your doctor for a checkup. Ask how physical activity fits into your medicine and meal plans.
Choosing an activity
Activity CalculatorThere’s no one perfect exercise, so do something you like. Try anything that gets you going, from walking the mall to pumping iron.
Your doctor can suggest activities for you. Aim for a mix of aerobics, strength training, and flexibility stretches.
Avoid high-impact workouts, like jogging, if you have trouble feeling pain, pressure, or heat and cold, especially in your legs and feet. (This is a common problem in diabetes.) Also, people with eye disease may have limits on the kinds of exercise that they should do.
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How much activity
Try to do some physical activity every day. If you can’t, aim for three to four times a week, 30 to 60 minutes each time. Make sure to warm up before and stretch out after.
Tips
* Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.
* Stay motivated. Work out with a friend, make workout “dates” with yourself, and vary your workout, so you don’t get bored.
* Keep an exercise log, so you can see your progress.
Take care of yourself
* Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. Make sure your shoes fit well and are right for your exercise. Wear athletic socks. These steps will help you avoid blisters or calluses that could lead to infection.
* Check your blood sugar before and after you exercise. Don’t work out if your level is too high or too low.
* Exercise with a friend who knows you have diabetes, or wear a medical ID bracelet, in case you have low blood sugar.
Diabetic Diet
No Such Thing as
a Diabetic Diet
There’s no such thing as a “diabetic diet.” Still, you may be confused about what to eat. Here’s the low-down on some common misunderstandings about foods:
* Carbohydrates. Some meal plans want you to count grams of carbohydrates (sugar and starch). Your dietitian can help you learn to count carbohydrates.
* Sugar. Most experts say small amounts of sugar are fine, as long as they are part of your meal plan. Sugar is just one type of carbohydrate.
* Alcohol. Discuss the use of alcohol with your healthcare provider. Many people with diabetes can have an alcoholic drink now and then — as long as you account for it in your food plan. Be sure to drink alcohol only with food.
* Artificial sweeteners. These can replace sugar, but beware of high-calorie, processed foods made with sugar substitutes. Foods that claim to be “sugar-free” or have “no sugar added”
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Tips for healthier eating habits
* Trade a high-fat food for a low-fat choice each week.
* Make your meal look bigger. Serve it on a salad or dessert plate.
* Package half of your restaurant meal “to go” before you start eating.
* Curb your hunger by drinking a glass of water 10 minutes before each meal.
* Still hungry right after a meal? Wait 20 minutes. It takes that long for your brain to know your stomach is full.
* People tend to eat more in front of the TV. Turn off the set.
A dietitian can help you come up with an eating plan that fits your likes and dislikes. If you like the foods you eat, you’re more likely to stick with the plan.
a Diabetic Diet
There’s no such thing as a “diabetic diet.” Still, you may be confused about what to eat. Here’s the low-down on some common misunderstandings about foods:
* Carbohydrates. Some meal plans want you to count grams of carbohydrates (sugar and starch). Your dietitian can help you learn to count carbohydrates.
* Sugar. Most experts say small amounts of sugar are fine, as long as they are part of your meal plan. Sugar is just one type of carbohydrate.
* Alcohol. Discuss the use of alcohol with your healthcare provider. Many people with diabetes can have an alcoholic drink now and then — as long as you account for it in your food plan. Be sure to drink alcohol only with food.
* Artificial sweeteners. These can replace sugar, but beware of high-calorie, processed foods made with sugar substitutes. Foods that claim to be “sugar-free” or have “no sugar added”
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Tips for healthier eating habits
* Trade a high-fat food for a low-fat choice each week.
* Make your meal look bigger. Serve it on a salad or dessert plate.
* Package half of your restaurant meal “to go” before you start eating.
* Curb your hunger by drinking a glass of water 10 minutes before each meal.
* Still hungry right after a meal? Wait 20 minutes. It takes that long for your brain to know your stomach is full.
* People tend to eat more in front of the TV. Turn off the set.
A dietitian can help you come up with an eating plan that fits your likes and dislikes. If you like the foods you eat, you’re more likely to stick with the plan.
Managing Diabetes
Long-Term
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease, which means that you have it for life. Although there’s no cure, you and your doctor can work together to control your blood sugar, which can help reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes complications.
Managing type 2 diabetes over months and years can mean making changes in your treatment plan. Diet and physical activity may control your blood sugar at first, but you may need to take medicine down the road. Over time, may need to change medicines, or add medicines, to keep your blood sugar under control. You may even need to use insulin.
Are You in Control
Remember, you play a major role in controlling your blood sugar and helping to prevent complications. With time, the lifestyle changes and treatments your doctor suggests can become a regular part of your routine.
Support from family, friends and your healthcare team can help you deal with diabetes long-term.
Complications
Good blood sugar control can reduce your risk of serious health complications from type 2 diabetes, like:
* Heart disease and stroke. Adults with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have heart disease or a stroke. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes.
* High blood pressure. Many adults with diabetes have high blood pressure or take prescription medicine(s) for high blood pressure.
* Eye problems. People with diabetes are at risk for cataracts, glaucoma, and problems with the retina (retinopathy), which can reduce vision or cause blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults ages 20 to 74.
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* Kidney damage. Diabetes is the leading cause of severe kidney disease.
* Nerve damage. Many people with diabetes have some nerve damage. This shows up as numbness or tingling in the feet or hands. You may not feel pain well, so sores can get worse and get infected. Severe nerve damage in people with diabetes is a major cause of leg and foot amputations.
* Infections. People with diabetes may be at greater risk for infection and death from infections. High blood sugar may make it harder for your body to fight infections. People with diabetes may be at a greater risk for getting many other illnesses. Once they get these illnesses, they have more trouble getting better.
* Gum disease. Because infections are harder to fight, you’re more likely to develop gum disease.
* Problems in pregnancy. Diabetes that isn’t managed well, before pregnancy and during pregnancy, can cause birth defects and miscarriages. During the later parts of pregnancy, poorly controlled diabetes can lead to very large babies, which is risky for both mother and child.
There’s good news, though. When you manage your diabetes well, you can reduce the risk of these health problems.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease, which means that you have it for life. Although there’s no cure, you and your doctor can work together to control your blood sugar, which can help reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes complications.
Managing type 2 diabetes over months and years can mean making changes in your treatment plan. Diet and physical activity may control your blood sugar at first, but you may need to take medicine down the road. Over time, may need to change medicines, or add medicines, to keep your blood sugar under control. You may even need to use insulin.
Are You in Control
Remember, you play a major role in controlling your blood sugar and helping to prevent complications. With time, the lifestyle changes and treatments your doctor suggests can become a regular part of your routine.
Support from family, friends and your healthcare team can help you deal with diabetes long-term.
Complications
Good blood sugar control can reduce your risk of serious health complications from type 2 diabetes, like:
* Heart disease and stroke. Adults with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have heart disease or a stroke. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes.
* High blood pressure. Many adults with diabetes have high blood pressure or take prescription medicine(s) for high blood pressure.
* Eye problems. People with diabetes are at risk for cataracts, glaucoma, and problems with the retina (retinopathy), which can reduce vision or cause blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults ages 20 to 74.
Are You in Control
* Kidney damage. Diabetes is the leading cause of severe kidney disease.
* Nerve damage. Many people with diabetes have some nerve damage. This shows up as numbness or tingling in the feet or hands. You may not feel pain well, so sores can get worse and get infected. Severe nerve damage in people with diabetes is a major cause of leg and foot amputations.
* Infections. People with diabetes may be at greater risk for infection and death from infections. High blood sugar may make it harder for your body to fight infections. People with diabetes may be at a greater risk for getting many other illnesses. Once they get these illnesses, they have more trouble getting better.
* Gum disease. Because infections are harder to fight, you’re more likely to develop gum disease.
* Problems in pregnancy. Diabetes that isn’t managed well, before pregnancy and during pregnancy, can cause birth defects and miscarriages. During the later parts of pregnancy, poorly controlled diabetes can lead to very large babies, which is risky for both mother and child.
There’s good news, though. When you manage your diabetes well, you can reduce the risk of these health problems.
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