Is Your Diabetes Under Control?
If you have recently been diagnosed with Diabetes, it can be very frightening or overwhelming. Your first step is always: research. As I have stated before, doctors do not always have the time to go over everything you need to know. I encourage you to go the the American Diabetes Association Website – it is very informative and even a lay person can understand.
Diabetes has 2 parts: high or low blood sugars. Both can be serious health issues. When you are first diagnosed, your doctor most likely ordered a FBS (fasting blood sugar) – this number should be below 100. If it was between 100-125, this is a sign of pre-diabetes and your doctor most likely would order further blood tests. Most Diabetics FBS runs in this range or > 126 and are controlled on medications and lifestyle changes. The second blood test that will be ordered is called a HgA1C – this shows what your sugar has been over a period of time (3 months). Your doctor will use this to determine if you need to be placed on medications. Your doctor should be evaluating you every 3- 6 months depending on your risk.
Okay, let us say you are a Diabetic – what should you be aware of. I believe the most important thing is: do you have other health risks such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, CAD? It is very important that your doctor checks for this and treats you effectively. You see Diabetes along with any of the above can put you at a higher risk for heart disease or health complications. It is important to have all your health issues under control. I have had people tell me that because their cholesterol “ratio” was good, their doctor isnt concerned about their HDL < 40 — in a person with Diabetes – it is “Critical” to have your cholesterol and blood pressure under control. You see in my previous Health Tips – I shared with you the “Normal” limits — this is for the average person — this is Not for people with Diabetes. People who have Diabetes have to maintain “lower” blood pressures and cholesterol numbers should be lower with the exception of the HDL.
Make sure you are aware of the side effects of high or low blood sugars. This is so important – go to the website above and read, read, read – there is too much to go into here. If you are aware of the symptoms – you will be able to take steps to protect yourself. Always let your doctor know if your sugars and running to high or low — you may need an adjustment in your medications. It is also important for you to let your doctor know if you are dieting and lose weight. Losing even 10 -15 lbs (sometimes less) can reduce the amount of medication you need to be taking. Maintaining an ideal weight can prove to be so beneficial. If you are overweight or even obese – it is important for you to take steps to lose weight. Exercise can actually help lower your blood sugars – dont believe me – try it 
Now, what is your doctor checking at your appointments? Your doctor should always check your feet. Why? Because many people with Diabetes can develop neuropathy – which causes a lack of “feeling” in your feet. This means, if you cant feel your feet – if you would cut the bottom of your foot, develop a blister or infection — you dont know it. It is so important because Diabetics have to be extremely careful about developing an infection as it takes so much longer to heal than an average person. It can also lead to more serious issues – just from a small cut or blister. So be aware of your feet and make sure your doctor is doing the same. You should also have your toe nails cut by a pediatrist – if you cut your nail wrong and end up with an ingrown toenail, this can also cause serious problems. I hope you are getting the picture of why you need to check your feet.
It is also important that you have your eyes checked “yearly”. Some people can develop vision problems due to poor circulation to the eyes which can eventually lead to blindness – yearly check -ups can prevent serious problems.
Never start a “special” diet without consulting your doctor. As you know many diets limit proteins or carbohydrates etc. Diabetics have to maintain a more complex diet to prevent drops in blood sugars or high blood sugars. If you need assistance you can consult a nutritionist who can also assist you in a proper diet program.
As you see, there are so many issues related to maintaining your Diabetes – I could go on and on – these are some tips of the issues I have seen that are most common. Please take the time to do the research – there are also “Diabetic” classes for people newly diagnosed that are excellent resources – check with your local hospitals or doctors office they usually have the information. Once again, the American Diabetes Association has newsletters, groups, topic searches etc that is also a very good resource.
You can live a healthy, happy life with Diabetes IF you realize the seriousness of the disease and are deligient in taking control of it! Dont be afraid to ask your doctor questions – there is no stupid question. Diabetes can be overwhelming with all the issues that you need to be aware of — BUT — it doesnt have to be. Good Luck – learn about your health – you will be grateful you did!
This is not meant to treat, diagnose, or present a cure. Nor is this a means for you to not consult your phsycian. These are tips of which you should be aware and talk with your doctor about.
Here is a link to the ADA website: http://www.diabetes.org
