What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness in which your blood sugar is too high.
When we eat, our bodies convert our food to glucose, or sugar, which the cells of our body must have to make the energy they need to function. However, glucose can’t get into cells on its own. That’s where insulin comes in. Insulin is a hormone made and secreted by the pancreas which allows sugar to leave the bloodstream and enter cells.
In diabetes, the pancreas either doesn’t make insulin at all (Type 1) or doesn’t make enough insulin (Type2). So, sugar can’t get into the cells where it is needed to make energy, and instead remains in the bloodstream giving us high blood sugar. This can be complicated further when our bodies have become insulin resistant, which is increasingly common, especially among elderly people and those with sedentary lifestyles.
High blood sugar can result in damage to our body organs, resulting in heart attacks, strokes, blindness and kidney failure. So, it’s important to work hard to keep your blood sugar under control. Diabetes is a serious diagnosis, but with proper management you can live a full, happy and healthy life with diabetes.
How do I manage my diabetes?
The goal of diabetes management is to keep your blood sugar within normal limits as much as possible.
You can accomplish this goal by ...
- eating well,
- achieving and maintaining a healthy weight,
- exercising consistently (work up to the goal of 5 times a week, 30 minutes each session),
- monitoring your blood sugar regularly and keeping a log to share with your health care provider,
- visiting your health care team for regular checkups,
- paying attention to your body, learning your unique patterns of blood sugar fluctuation,
- and taking your medications and/or insulin exactly as prescribed.
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What is a normal blood sugar?
Blood sugar levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day. They also vary based on age and individual body chemistry. For adults with diabetes blood sugar targets are as follows:
- Fasting (no food for the past 8-10 hours): <100
- Pre-meal: 70-130
- Post-meal (1-2 hours after eating): <180
- Pre-exercise: at least 100 (especially if taking insulin)
- Bedtime: 100-140
How do I know if my diabetes is well controlled?
Hemoglobin A1C is a simple blood test which helps us know how well your blood glucose has been controlled over the past 2 to 3 months. This test is used to help gauge the effectiveness of your treatment plan.
For people with diabetes, a target Hemoglobin A1C is around 7%-8%. Ideally, however, we’d like to see this number below 7%.
Why is it important to keep my blood sugar well controlled?
Good blood sugar control will help you feel better day to day. It can also help prevent or delay serious complications of diabetes including vision problems, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, circulation problems, neuropathy, and nerve damage.
If you have diabetes, it is important that you
- monitor your blood sugar as instructed by your health care provider,
- regularly monitor your blood pressure,
- have your Hemoglobin A1C checked at least twice a year,
- check your feet daily and have a thorough foot exam at least once a year,
- get a yearly dilated eye exam,
- get yearly blood and urine tests to measure kidney function,
- get your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked at least once a year,
- get annual flu and pneumonia shots,
- and have at least two dental exams each year.
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How might I feel if my blood sugar is too high?
Early signs of high blood sugar, otherwise known as hyperglycemia, include having less energy than normal, blurred vision, headache, increased thirst, and frequent urination.
*It is important to understand that symptoms of hyperglycemia may be masked, especially in long-term diabetics with poor control. So, you may not always experience the classic symptoms of hyperglycemia, even when your blood sugar is high. The only way to be certain of your blood glucose level is to check it with your glucometer.
How might I feel if my blood sugar is too low?
Sometimes patients being treated for diabetes experience rapid fluctuations in their blood sugar and low blood sugar, otherwise known as hypoglycemia, may occur. This may occur due to taking too much insulin or diabetes medication, skipping a meal or snack, or exercising more than you normally do. Early signs of hypoglycemia include shakiness, dizziness, sweating, headache, irritability or anxiousness, and hunger.
*It is important to understand that symptoms of hypoglycemia can go unnoticed. We call this hypoglycemic unawareness. The only way to be certain of your blood glucose level is to check it with your glucometer.
When should I call my health care provider?
Give us a call if...
- you have a blood sugar level higher than your upper limit target for more than two readings,
- you have a blood sugar level lower than your lower limit target for more than two readings,
- you are sick and cannot control your blood sugar,
- you have been vomiting or have had diarrhea for more than six hours,
- you have any questions or concerns related to managing your diabetes.
*High blood sugar, hyperglycemia, and low blood sugar, hypoglycemia can both lead to medical emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, 911 should be called.
Where can I find additional resources to help me live well with diabetes?
Jackson Whole Family Health can connect you to a variety of local resources including
- Diabetes Education classes,
- Medical Nutrition Therapy,
- Diabetes Education and Empowerment Program,
- Mind Body Skills group,
- and the Diabetes Exercise Program.
For those who qualify, there are also financial resources available to help cover the cost of medications, supplies, and diabetes education.
Additionally, you’ll find a wealth of information available online. We know sorting through online information can be overwhelming and sometimes it’s hard to know which sources are reputable. So, here are a few we recommend to get you started:
References:
Cleveland Clinic, Diseases & Conditions, Diabetes – http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Diabetes_Basics- accessed 7/9/15.
American Diabetes Association – www.diabetes.org- accessed 7/9/15.
CDC, Diabetes – www.cdc.gov/diabetes/home - accessed 7/9/15.
Mayo Clinic, Diabetic Hypoglycemia - http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-hypoglycemia/basics/symptoms/con-20034680 - accessed 7/13/15.
