How to Get Sugar Diabetes Under Control

Living with diabetes can be a challenge for many people. It requires self-control, knowledge of the disease and an understanding of the consequences of not treating it properly. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has many suggestions to get your diabetes under control to help you live a somewhat normal life.

Instructions

• 1

  Work closely with your health care team, including a physician, dietitian and/or diabetes educator to develop a treatment plan. Plan other important medical treatments, such as vision, dental and foot care, to recognize problems in the early stages.

• 2

  Check your blood glucose (sugar) levels often and keep a log book to track high (hyperglycemia) and low (hypoglycemia) levels and patterns that may need adapting. Understand how your glucose meter works, or have a diabetes educator explain it to you, or call the manufacturer of the meter for information. Discuss results with your physician.

• 3

  Schedule an A1C blood test at a minimum of every six months but preferably every three months to determine overall average blood glucose levels from the previous three months. Catch high A1C levels (over 7.0 percent for adults) early to prevent long-term damage to inner organs of your body and to adapt treatment plans or insulin dosage.

• 4

  Check for ketones in the urine (usually happens in Type 1 diabetics), which may be a sign that your insulin is not working properly. This can occur for various reasons and should be discussed with your doctor.

• 5

  Monitor your diet and exercise closely, and try to eat less and exercise more. Work with your doctor on insulin and medication dosage in coordination with the foods you eat.

  Work with your dietitian on foods to avoid, such as sugary foods and white breads, pasta, white rice, white flour and white potatoes, which all are converted to sugar quickly in the body and will spike your blood sugar levels faster.

  Choose good carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread and pasta, and sweet potatoes, which break down slower in the body and will keep your blood sugars from spiking.

  Eat adequate amounts of protein along with the good carbohydrates to maintain level glucose readings. Include foods such as nuts, legumes and beans to provide lots of fiber.

  Eat a meal or snack every two and a half to three hours to keep blood sugar levels adequate, and avoid high and low levels.