Disease Care

The goal of diabetes management is to keep levels of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol as close to the normal range as safely possible.

Monitor blood glucose levels

When blood glucose levels drop too low, a condition known as hypoglycemia, a person can become nervous, shaky and confused. Judgment can be impaired, and if blood glucose falls too low, fainting can occur. A person can also become ill if blood glucose levels rise too high, a condition known as hyperglycemia. Here are some target blood glucose levels for people with diabetes:

• Before meals 70 to 130
• 1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal less than 180

Develop a healthy lifestyle

Healthy eating and physical activity are basic, but crucial, management tools for diabetes. Some tips:

• Stay at a healthy body weight. Excess pounds promote hypertension.
• Keep active. Exercise can help lower blood pressure.
• Eat a balanced diet low in saturated and total fat, cholesterol, and sodium and rich in vegetables, fruit, and nonfat dairy (the DASH, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, diet).
• Quit smoking. Nicotine raises blood pressure.
• Keep alcohol intake at a moderate level.
• Practice good stress management. Emotional or physical stress can raise blood pressure

Build a care team

People with diabetes should see a health care provider who will help them learn to manage their diabetes and who will monitor their diabetes control. Most people with diabetes get care from a team of providers, including:

• A primary care provider such as an internist, a family practice doctor, or a pediatrician
• An endocrinologist (a specialist in diabetes care)
• A dietitian, nurse, or other health care provider who is a certified diabetes educator
• A podiatrist (for foot care)
• An ophthalmologist or an optometrist (for eye care)

Contact us today at 800.445.0459 or e-mail.

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