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Mona Hull, RN, CDE Take Charge: Six Things You Can Do To Improve Your Control. Diabetes can be a terrifying and confusing disorder. What worked for you yesterday doesn't seem to make a difference today. Experts do not always agree on what therapies are the best so how can an average individual possibly know what to do? 1. The first thing you must do is take charge. Managing diabetes is not for the faint of heart. You can, and should be the leader of a team of experts working to keep yourself healthy. There are many professionals available to offer advice and help you plan a m,management strategy that is tailored just for you. Some of these include physicians, dietitians, nurses, pharmacists, podiatrists, and exercise physiologists. There are specialists available for specific complications. Take a few moments to write down which members you want on your team, and begin your efforts to contact them. 2. Education. What you don't know can definitely hurt you. If you have never attended a diabetes class, or you have not been to one recently, take four giant steps to your phone and register for one. Most insurance companies now recognize the tremendous value of education and pay for part or all of the cost.
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3. Test your blood sugar. This should be done at various times during the day, not just before breakfast. The best times to check are based on the type of medications you are taking. Your diabetes education can help you identify which will give you the most important information. 4. Keep a food diary for one week. Write down every morsel you eat. You cay be surprised to learn how quickly those extra calories add up. Just one bite" of cheesecake, or "I'll have the banana split just this once" quickly become many hundreds of calories, and may dramatically affect blood sugars. If your meal plan is no longer effective, perhaps it is time to see a dietitian. Age, activity, medications, and other health factors may have changed your nutritional needs. 5. Exercise. You do not have to mimic Richard Simmons or Jane Fonda. Walking is still considered to be one of the most effective exercises available. Check with your physician to be certain there are no physical reasons against exercising, and bribe a friend or family member to go with you. 6. Take your medicines. Many people fail to take their medications for a variety of reasons: side effects, cost, can't remember, decide they don't need it anymore. If you are unable or unwilling to take your current medications, you should immediately consult your physician. Today there are many options available. |