About this topic
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. If you have this illness, your body may not make enough insulin. Your body may not use the insulin it does make. When you eat, your body breaks down all sugars and starches into glucose. Your body needs insulin to use glucose for energy. The insulin takes the glucose from your blood into your cells. If you do not have enough insulin, the glucose or sugar stays in your blood instead of going into your cells. This causes your blood sugar levels to be too high. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
Learn how to take care of your diabetes. ‚
- 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.
- Your doctor will teach you how to check and control your blood sugar and blood pressure.
- Take your diabetes drugs as directed.
- Learn when and what to eat and how much you will need.
- Work out often. This will also help you control weight. Ask your doctor for proper food and exercise programs to follow.
- Check your feet often. Always wear comfortable shoes. Report any problems with your feet to your doctor.
- Wear a medical ID.
- Quit smoking. Ask your doctor to help you find a way to stop.
- Limit or avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Have your lab tests done.
- See a dentist and eye care doctor. Have your eyes, feet, heart, and body checked for any signs of other problems.
What drugs may be needed?
Diabetes drugs will help control your blood sugar. You may have more than one diabetes drug. Your doctor may order drugs for you to take by mouth or insulin as a shot. You will be trained on how to give insulin shots, if needed. Talk to your doctor about your diabetes drugs and what you need to do when you go home. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
- Mild to moderate workouts are very good for your problem. They can lower blood sugar and blood pressure. Working out can also help control weight. Avoid very heavy exercise. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any workout program.
- Try to walk, bike, or swim every day. Start with 5 to 10 minutes each day. Work up to about 30 minutes most days.
- Drink lots of fluids during workouts. Keep food like candy on hand to take in case low blood sugar strikes.
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important. This means you need to eat regularly throughout the day. You need to include a variety of foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nonfat dairy products, and lean meats. Do not eat too much food at one time and do not skip meals. Limit foods high in sugar like sweets and desserts. Ask your doctor about what kind of diet is right for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Heart, kidney, and nerve problems
- Foot problems. Sores and infection may also happen.
- Eye problems
Talk with your doctor often. Other drugs or care may be needed to treat or prevent these problems. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or a wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Blurred or flashing eyesight
- Chest pain
- Swelling in your legs
- Change in color and odor of your feet
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot and pneumonia shot. ‚
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 I need to do to control my blood sugar.
- I can tell you what I will do if my eyesight is blurry.
Where can I learn more?
Canadian Diabetes Association ‚
http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/living/just-diagnosed/type2/ ‚
Diabetes UK ‚
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Type-2-diabetes/ ‚
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/type2_ES/index.aspx#4 ‚
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. ‚