About this topic
Diabetes is a health problem where your immune system destroys the organ that makes insulin. The body needs insulin to control how much sugar is in the blood. Diabetes does not go away. You will manage it with eating the right way and taking drugs as ordered by a doctor. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Check your blood sugar level. Your doctor will tell you how often, but it is most often a few times a day.
- You will need insulin. Talk to your doctor to see if shots a few times a day or an insulin pump is best for you.
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet. You may need to keep track of how much sugar and starch is in your food. Talk about this with your doctor or dietitian.
- Talk with your doctor about the right amount of exercise for you.
- Take extra care of your feet. Check them often. Avoid letting them get open wounds. Your doctor may want you to see a foot doctor each year.
- Have your eyes checked each year by an eye doctor.
- Always wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a card that says you have diabetes.
- Make family members aware of your illness and how to help.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Talk with your doctor often. Your diet and insulin shots may need to be changed. They will depend on your health and other needs. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Review your blood sugar record with your doctor. Your doctor may check a lab test called A1C that gives an idea about your average blood sugar over the last 3 months.
- Your doctor will also want to watch other aspects of your health, such as your blood pressure and cholesterol.
What drugs may be needed?
You need to take insulin for the rest of your life. This will help to control your blood sugar. The doctor may also give you other drugs. These may help to control other health problems and avoid bad side effects from your illness. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Talk to your doctor about how you can be active. This may help control your blood sugar. You can garden, bike, walk, swim, or do other activities. Always check your blood sugar before and after you are active to see how your body responds. Be sure to drink lots of liquids before, during, and after activities. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Work closely with your doctor or dietitian on what foods you may eat. You may need to balance how much sugar, starches, fat, and protein are in your food.
- Eat meals at the same time each day. Do not skip a meal.
- Eat low-fat foods like lean cuts of meat, fish, skinless chicken and turkey, legumes, and low-fat milk.
- Eat foods that are fiber-rich like vegetables, whole grain bread and cereals.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
What problems could happen?
If this illness is not controlled, these problems might happen: ‚
- Eye problems
- Kidney problems
- Infection
- High blood pressure
- Nerve problems that cause numbness and tingling
- Problems breaking down food
- Heart problems
- Stroke
- Sores which are hard to heal
- Foot problems
- Blockages in the blood vessels in the legs
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
This is a life-long problem and you cannot prevent it. You can still lead a normal life. Diabetes can be managed through diet, drugs, and being active. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Very high or very low blood sugar readings
- Signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, dizziness, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.
- Signs of high blood sugar. These include sleepiness, blurred vision, passing urine more often, increased thirst, breath has a fruity sweet smell, upset stomach and throwing up, dizziness, or passing out.
- Feet or legs are numb or painful
- Sores on your feet
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Make sure you always carry a diabetes emergency kit. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet.
- I can tell you what I will do if I feel dizzy, shaky, sweaty, and confused.
Where can I learn more?
American Diabetes Association ‚
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-1/?loc=HomePage-type1-tdt ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚