Diabetes

Diabetes is when you have high levels of sugar in your blood. The program can help you understand how to manage your diabetes. It can also help decrease the chance of long-term problems. 

Here are some tips to help manage your diabetes:

• Monitor your blood sugar at home as your doctor directs.
• Write it down and bring it with you to your appointments.
• Learn the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
• Create a plan for if your blood sugar is out of range.
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried beans, whole grains.
• Get moving! Being physically active can help keep your blood sugar in the target range.
• Check the bottoms and tops of your feet every day for any injuries or sores that are not healing.
• Do not forget to check in between your toes too!
• Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke
  • Do not smoke. If you need help to quit smoking or using tobacco, call the toll-free Quitline at 1-800-784-8669 or 1-800-QUIT-NOW. If someone in your family smokes, ask them to smoke outside.

Have your doctors perform an exam every year

• Have your Hemoglobin A1C checked at least once a year.
• Have your blood pressure checked as prescribed by your physician.
  • You should maintain your blood pressure at less than 140/90.
• Have your cholesterol checked at least once a year.
• Have a retinal eye exam to check to see if there has been damage to blood vessels at least once a year.
• Long-term diabetes can damage kidneys. Have a urine microalbumin test or blood work to check how your kidneys are functioning at least once a year.
• Have a health care provider thoroughly examine your feet at least once a year.