Managing
Diabetes
Proper
diabetes management is critical in preventing serious
long-term complications arising from high blood sugar.
Unmanaged (or
poorly managed) diabetes can lead to medical complications
as serious as blindness, emergency amputations, or
permanent damage to
internal organs. Obviously, diabetes management is
something every diabetic must take very seriously.
Even "normal"
illnesses like colds and flu can cause special problems
when you have diabetes.
If you
can't eat, or are vomiting, it may be hard to keep
blood sugar up.
Some illnesses interfere with the way insulin works.
You may need insulin shots as well as your regular
pills.
Get an action plan from your diabetes team that tells
you exactly what to do when you get sick. For example,
you should know:
Whether
you will need insulin (or extra insulin);
When to call the doctor;
What soft food and drink you should have on hand in
case you can't eat normally;
What extra medicine you may need (for example, to
settle your stomach).
Some
General Rules
Call the doctor if your blood sugar is over 240.
Drink plenty of fluids. Drink at least one 8-ounce
cup of water every hour (people with diabetes can
get sick if they are dehydrated).
If you can't eat, drink juice or regular (not diet)
soda to keep your blood sugar up.
If you can't keep anything down, suck on ice chips,
then sip clear soda, such as regular ginger ale.
Keep taking your medicine.
Have someone look in on you or call you every few
hours.
Diabetes
management
can be a complex process, but understanding the basics
of your medication, healthy dietary choices and appropriate
and regular exercise will provide a strong foundation
for successful management of your diabetes throughout
your life.
