Diabetes Management

Overview

You are at the center of your diabetes care working with your medical team. The more you learn about your diabetes and how it affects you, the easier it will be to make healthier decisions. Diabetes management can help you live a longer and healthier life.

What to Expect

The first step to diabetes management is understanding the type of diabetes you have:

• Type 1 diabetes results when the pancreas, the organ that makes insulin, is not functioning correctly. If you have this type of diabetes, you have to inject yourself with insulin on a daily basis so that your body can absorb blood glucose (sugar). You also need to eat a regular, healthy diet so that your blood sugar doesn’t fall too low or go too high.
• Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body does not react correctly to the insulin it makes. Management involves healthy eating, exercise and weight loss. You may also be given medicines to insure you are maintaining the proper blood sugar levels.

In both types of diabetes, sugar is not being absorbed properly by your body’s cells. Maintaining a healthy weight, physical activity, good nutrition and diabetes medications can help your body work at its best.

What is the Best Way to Manage My Diabetes?

It is important to keep up with your primary care visits so that your doctor can perform routine tests, answer your questions and address your concerns. Diabetes services also include:

• Education –The diabetes educators in your doctor’s office play an important role in helping structure your individual care plan. You will learn how to use your glucose monitoring equipment, manage your medications or insulin injections, and prepare healthy meals to keep your blood sugar levels steady.
• Diagnosis of conditions –During your regular office visits your doctor will check for signs of other problems such as foot or vision issues and help you get the care you need. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have any concerns or notice vision or foot problems.
• Referrals to specialists – If any issues come up that cannot be handled by your primary care doctor, you will be referred to other specialists. This includes a registered dietitian to help with meal planning education or other healthcare experts such as endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, or podiatrists, depending on your needs.