Five tools of good diabetes management
Food, physical activity, stress management, medicine, and monitoring blood glucose are tools that can help manage your diabetes.
Food
Eating the right foods during the day will help you keep your blood sugar in control. Since food makes blood glucose go up, it's important to control how much, what kind and when you eat.
- Eat three well-balanced meals a day.
- If meals are more than 4 to 5 hours apart, eat a small snack.
- Eat a bedtime snack so that your body has enough energy while you sleep.
- Do not skip meals or snacks. Your body will make up for the lack of glucose by "asking" the liver to produce extra glucose. This can make it harder to control your blood sugar.
- Ask for help if you have questions or need advice about your food choices.
Physical activity
Physical activity helps your body use up blood glucose and makes your insulin work better. It includes walking to your car, making a meal, doing a hobby or housework -- anything that gets you moving. It also involves exercises that strengthen your muscles, heart and lungs.
- Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
- Start slowly to avoid injury.
- Choose activities that you enjoy.
- Get physical activity every day. The more active you are, the stronger you will get.
Stress management
Stress increases blood glucose and can cause problems with your blood glucose control.
- Think about what causes stress for you.
- Find healthy ways that help you cope with stress. Try them.
- Seek help if you need it.
Medicine
Many medicines help control blood glucose. Whether its pills, injections or another form, your doctor will work with you to choose what's best for you.
It is not unusual for your medicine needs to change.
Monitoring blood glucose
Testing your blood glucose levels will tell you how your food, physical activity and medicine are working together to control your blood glucose. That's why a good diabetes management plan follows your blood glucose testing schedule and outlines your medicine, food and physical activity recommendations.
Regular testing also lets you and your doctor know when changes should be made.
Easy-to-use equipment is available to use for testing your own blood glucose levels. Talk with your diabetes educator about what would be best for you.
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Source: Allina Health System Press, Basic Skills for Living with Diabetes, dia-ahc-90196
First published: 02/16/2007
Last updated: 02/16/2007
Reviewed by: Mary Frederick, RN, diabetes program manager, Allina Medical Clinic
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