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A key step toward a healthier life with diabetes begins by carefully monitoring your blood sugar levels. Keeping your blood sugar levels close to normal helps significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes complications, such as eye, nerve and kidney problems.
MONITORING TIPS
The following are a few pointers on how to get the most from monitoring your blood sugar:
•
Test frequently.
Talk to your health care team
about how frequently and at which times during the day to test;
this helps you determine when and why your blood sugar levels
change. Don't let pain discourage you from testing. The comfort
of different lancers varies significantly. Your pharmacist or
diabetes educator can help you pick one that is more comfortable.
•
Keep a diary.
It's a good idea to keep a record
of your blood sugar tests. Start a diary today! Every time you
enter your blood sugar levels, write in details of your diet,
exercise and any other factors that may affect your blood sugar.
Your diary will help you identify blood sugar patterns.
•
Achieve long-term control.
For long-term blood sugar control,
ask your doctor about the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test,
which provides an average of your previous blood sugar levels.
This will give your health care team and yourself an overall look
at how well your blood sugar levels were being controlled.
| Live healthier by testing
your blood sugar frequently.
|
PERSONAL MANAGEMENT PLAN In addition to testing your blood sugar levels, create your own diabetes management plan including diet, exercise and medication. Your diabetes health care team can help you. Here are a few suggestions: • Wear a diabetes medical alert
bracelet and carry a card indicating you have diabetes. |
•
Don't forget about routine tests
and regular check-ups!
• Have your blood pressure
measured three to four times a year.
• Have your eyes examined
once a year.
• Visit your dentist at least
twice a year.
•
Take care of your feet.
• Wash feet daily; dry them
thoroughly.
• Examine them daily for
signs of cuts, bruises and infection.
• Trim your toenails straight
across.
• Apply moisturizer daily
before you go to bed and avoid tight shoes.
Remember, learning how to manage diabetes is essential to healthy living. Contact your local branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association and ask about education programs in your area.
Brought to you by your:
Provincial Pharmacy Regulatory Authority, - responsible for promoting and
administering standards of pharmacy practice for the health and well-being of
the general public.
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