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Page 1: Diabetes Care Handbook - Diabetic Connect. Table Of Contents. 4standing Diabetes Under 6 Managing Diabetes 8 Monitoring Blood Sugar 10 Healthy Eating egular Exercise12 R e Healthy

1

Diabetes CareHandbookNUTRITION EXERCISE WELLNESS

Page 2: Diabetes Care Handbook - Diabetic Connect. Table Of Contents. 4standing Diabetes Under 6 Managing Diabetes 8 Monitoring Blood Sugar 10 Healthy Eating egular Exercise12 R e Healthy

DIABETES CARE HANDBOOK2

•NoUpfrontCost.You are only responsible for your

deductibles and co-pay, if applicable.

•ConvenientHomeDelivery of your diabetes supplies

with no shipping charges.

•CallNowtoGetStarted.Our diabetes specialists will do the rest.

We verify your insurance and contact your doctor’s office

for the required authorization.

Call Today to Have Your Diabetes Supplies Delivered Directly to You!

Call Toll Free 1.877.215.0452www.DiabeticConnect.com

Page 3: Diabetes Care Handbook - Diabetic Connect. Table Of Contents. 4standing Diabetes Under 6 Managing Diabetes 8 Monitoring Blood Sugar 10 Healthy Eating egular Exercise12 R e Healthy

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Table Of Contents

4 Understanding Diabetes

6 Managing Diabetes

8 Monitoring Blood Sugar

10 Healthy Eating

12 Regular Exercise

14 More Healthy Habits

16 Avoiding Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

18 Reducing Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)

20 Sick Day Care

21 Risk Factors

22 Coping with Diabetes

24 When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

26 Diabetes Resources

Page 4: Diabetes Care Handbook - Diabetic Connect. Table Of Contents. 4standing Diabetes Under 6 Managing Diabetes 8 Monitoring Blood Sugar 10 Healthy Eating egular Exercise12 R e Healthy

D I A B E T E S C A R E H A N D B O O K4

Understanding DiabetesDiabetes occurs when blood glucose (sugar) is high due to the pancreas not

producing insulin (Type 1 Diabetes) or the pancreas produces some insulin, which does

not work properly (Type 2 Diabetes). Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose move into

our body’s cells. Glucose gives us energy. If blood sugar is high common symptoms

include: excessive thirst, frequent urination, feeling very hungry, feeling tired, blurry

vision, infections that do not go away, wounds that do not heal, and sometimes weight

loss. Some people diagnosed with diabetes have a family history of diabetes, but many

are diagnosed with no family history.

Other factors that can increase your chance of getting diabetes are: being

overweight, not exercising, older age, and ethnicity. Latinos, African Americans,

American Indians, Pacific Islanders, and some Asian Americans are at higher risk.

Some women also develop diabetes during pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes).

Pre Diabetes occurs when blood sugars are higher than normal, but not high

enough for your doctor to diagnose diabetes. Instead, he usually prescribes

preventative measures to help a person avoid the diagnosis of diabetes.

Do’s Don’ts

• Stay calm – diabetes • Don’t get over whelmed can be very manageable

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Your doctor can diagnose diabetes with a blood test or an oral glucose tolerance

test. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, the important thing to remember

is that it is a manageable disease, even if it seems overwhelming at first.

It is important to follow your doctor’s advice on checking your blood sugar

regularly, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, taking medications,

and reducing stress.

5When glucose builds up in

the blood vessels, it can lead to

health complications if diabetes

goes untreated.

1 The stomach changes food into glucose.

2The glucose is sent to the bloodstream.

3Insulin, created in the pancreas, helps the glucose be used as energy throughout the body.

4With diabetes, little or no insulin is created, causing glucose to build up in the bloodstream.

BloodVessel

Stomach

Pancreas

Tip

Maintaining your diabetes is done primarily through self-management. This guide will help you focus on key areas to help you do this.

Page 6: Diabetes Care Handbook - Diabetic Connect. Table Of Contents. 4standing Diabetes Under 6 Managing Diabetes 8 Monitoring Blood Sugar 10 Healthy Eating egular Exercise12 R e Healthy

D I A B E T E S C A R E H A N D B O O K6

Managing Diabetes Your goal is to maintain good control of—blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure,

and cholesterol. But how do you get there? Primarily through self-management.

This is a big job. Self-management affects many different aspects of your life,

and at first, you’ll probably need to make changes in your lifestyle. For most

people with diabetes, this means taking on the key activities summarized

below (and explained in detail later in this guide).

Monitoring Blood Glucose

Two different kinds of tests, self tests and HbA1C tests, can give you a good

understanding of your blood glucose control. Your doctor will give you a target range

for your blood sugar levels. Your aim is to keep your blood sugar within these ranges

most of the time by following your treatment plan every day.

Following a Meal Plan

Eating more wisely is one of the best things you can do to help protect your health.

A meal plan will help you do this. Refer to the Healthy Eating section of this guide

for more information.

Tip

Remember to take your diabetes one day at a time. Don’t worry about what went wrong yesterday... use every day as a fresh start! Focus on what you can do today to be healthier.

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Getting Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is another key piece of your treatment. Your healthcare

providers can get you started on a program that gives you the best change

for better health today, and in the long run. You can find more information

on the importance of a good exercise program in the Regular Exercise

section of this guide.

Taking Medication

Depending on the type of diabetes you have, and how your body responds

to the other pieces of your management plan, your doctor may prescribe

medication to help control your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol

levels. Follow your doctors’ direction in this area.

Testing your blood sugar and doing daily exercise will help you manage your diabetes.

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D I A B E T E S C A R E H A N D B O O K8

Monitoring Blood Sugar If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugar

as your doctor has prescribed. Your blood sugar can be affected by what you eat, your

activity, stress, illness, and medication. The best times to check your blood sugar are

when you wake up, before meals, 1 ½ to 2 hours after meals, and before you go to bed.

Testing your blood sugar can help you make medication adjustments, make better

food choices, and adjust exercise and activity levels to keep your blood sugars within

the goals set by your doctor. Ideally you want your blood sugars to stay in a healthy

range (70 mg/dl to 130 mg/dl before meals and less than 180 mg/dl 1 to 2 hours after

meals), but your doctor may help you set different goals that are right for you.

It is important to remember to wash your hands before you check your blood sugar

because some foods, lotions, and even scented hand sanitizers can falsely raise your

blood sugar. Make sure you use the correct test strips for the meter you use, that

they are coded correctly, and that they are not expired.

Do’s Don’ts

• Check your blood sugar

• Wash your hands before checking

• Log your blood sugars for your doctor

• Don’t test less than your doctor recommends

• Don’t use expired testing supplies

• Don’t get frustrated when blood sugar is high. Try to figure out why it’s high and avoid what caused it

A1C Comparison

A1C Average Blood Glucose

6% 126 mg/dl

7% 154 mg/dl

8% 183 mg/dl

9% 212 mg/dl

10% 240 mg/dl

11% 269 mg/dl

12% 298 mg/dl

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Writing your blood sugars in a logbook will help you see patterns in your blood

sugars. You can even note when you exercised, certain foods that seemed to cause

your blood sugar to rise, or times when you were ill or stressed. You can show your

logbook to your doctor, and he can help you adjust medications if necessary.

If you need help learning how to use your blood glucose meter, a diabetes

educator at your doctor’s office or a pharmacist can help you.

A HbA1C (hemoglobin A1C) is a blood test to determine your average blood

sugars over the past 3 months. An A1C < 7% is the goal for a person with

diabetes because a lower A1C lowers your chance of diabetes complications.

It is suggested that people with diabetes have an A1C test every 6 months,

or sooner if they are on insulin or their blood sugars are not under control.

Your health care provider can also use this test to better adjust your

diabetes medications and suggest diet and exercise modifications.

Blood Sugar Goals

Pre-Meal (Including Fasting) 70-130 mg/dl

2 hours After a Meal < 180 mg/dl

A1C (Average Blood Glucose) < 7%

You can download a FREE glucose log by visiting www.DiabeticConnect.com.

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Weekly LogMonday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Date Day Breakfast Lunch Dinner Bedtime

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D I A B E T E S C A R E H A N D B O O K10

Healthy EatingFoods that you eat have a big effect on your blood sugar.

Foods with carbohydrates (carbs) affect your blood sugar the

most. Some carbohydrates are healthier than others. Healthy

carbs with more fiber will help lower blood sugar levels. These

include whole foods and natural foods such as fresh fruits

and vegetables, whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, brown

rice, and beans. We can minimize health risks such

as weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease by

avoiding refined carbs found in processed foods. This

includes: white bread, pasta, white rice, sugary drinks,

cookies and candy.

Carbohydrate counting is a way to control blood sugar levels. Carb counting

helps you plan your meals and adjust your medication to reflect the carbs

you are eating. Most foods include nutritional facts on the package, including

carb totals. Make it a habit to read labels and understand serving sizes and

nutritional facts before buying or consuming foods.

One method of eating healthy with diabetes is called the Plate Method. Choose a salad

size plate for correct portions, and fill half the plate with non-starchy vegetables such

as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, lettuce, and tomatoes. Fill a quarter of your

plate with grains (bread, pasta, rice). Starchy vegetables can also be included in this

quarter of your plate. The last quarter of your plate can be a lean protein such as

white meat chicken or turkey, lean ground beef, seafood, tofu, or eggs.

Important facts to look for on food labels:

Serving Size – The serving size may be small; look at how many servings are in the package.

Calories – Look at the calories per serving, and multiply by the number of servings you eat.

Fat – Look at total fat per serving and the amount of saturated fat and trans fats if you are limiting fat. Low fat foods have <3 grams fat/100 calories.

Sodium – Sodium for most people should be <2300 mg per day. If you are on a low sodium diet, look for foods that have <140 mg sodium per serving.

Total Carbohydrates – Total carbohydrate grams include total fiber and sugars. Count total carbohydrate grams if you are counting carbohydrates.

Total Fiber – High fiber foods have >2 grams fiber per serving. Most people should eat 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day.

Protein – High protein foods are >7 grams per serving

Nutrition FactsServing size 1 cup (253g)Servings per container 2

Amount Per Serving

Calories 260 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value

Total Fat 8g 12%

Saturated Fat 3g 15%

Trans Fat 0g 0%

Cholesterol 130g 0%

Sodium 505mg 21%

Total Carbohydrate 22g 8%

Dietary Fiber 9g 36%

Sugars 8g

Protein 25g

Nutrition FactsServing size 1 cup (253g)Servings per container 2

Amount Per Serving

Calories 260 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value

Total Fat 8g 12%

Saturated Fat 3g 15%

Trans Fat 0g 0%

Cholesterol 130g 0%

Sodium 505mg 21%

Total Carbohydrate 22g 8%

Dietary Fiber 9g 36%

Sugars 8g

Protein 25g

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Choosing the right kinds of foods along with smart portion sizes

can have a positive effect on a healthy lifestyle and even

weight loss. A smart approach to losing weight is to

reduce your daily calorie intake by 500 calories per day.

This can lead to losing near 1 pound per week, which

is safer and more permanent than jumping on the

latest diet fad. Once you’ve achieved your desired

weight you can transition back to your healthy

calorie intake and eating plan.

A certified diabetes educator can help

you learn more about the Plate Method,

carbohydrate counting, and what foods

are best for you to eat as you manage

your diabetes. This service is covered

by most insurance plans.

diabetic connect 877.215.0452Healthy Eating Means Healthy Living © 2014 Diabetic Connect. All Rights Reserved.

The Plate Method

Use a salad size plate and fill 1/2 with fresh vegetables, 1/4 with lean protein and 1/4 with a starch. You can also add a serving of milk and fruit for a well balanced meal.

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D I A B E T E S C A R E H A N D B O O K12

Regular ExerciseExercise has positive health benefits for everyone, but if you have diabetes,

exercise has many additional benefits.

Positive Benefits of Exercise Include:

• Lowers Blood Sugar Levels • Improves Bone and Muscle Strength

• Lowers Blood Pressure • Increases Your Energy Level

• Helps with Weight Loss • Helps Your Body Use Insulin Better

• Relieves Stress

Exercise can include anything that gets your heart rate up or uses your muscles.

Choose an activity you like, and try to do at least 20-30 minutes, 5 times a week.

Great Exercises for Everyone:

• Walking • Biking • Dancing

• Jogging • Water Aerobics • Jump Rope

• Swimming • Strength Training

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Many Everyday Activities Count Too:

• Gardening • Housework

• Mowing the Lawn • Stairs (Instead of Elevator)

• Raking Leaves • Park Further Away

Break up your exercises into smaller 10 minute segments, this may fit your

schedule better. Take the stairs instead of an elevator, park further away, or

walk on your lunch break. If you schedule exercise into your day, you are

more likely to do it. Physical exercise can also be mentally stimulating and

therapeutic. Before you start any exercise program, talk to your doctor about

the type of exercise that is right for you.

Do’s Don’ts

• Exercise 20-30 minutes, 5 times a week

• Make every day things your exercise: Housework, Gardening, Stairs instead of elevator

• Don’t think you are too busy to exercise

• Don’t give up!

Tip

Instead of sitting, try walking in place while watching your favorite television program.

Page 14: Diabetes Care Handbook - Diabetic Connect. Table Of Contents. 4standing Diabetes Under 6 Managing Diabetes 8 Monitoring Blood Sugar 10 Healthy Eating egular Exercise12 R e Healthy

D I A B E T E S C A R E H A N D B O O K14

More Healthy HabitsGood medical care is very important for people with diabetes and may help

prevent complications. Your healthcare team should include your doctor,

a diabetes educator, a dietitian, a heart doctor, a dentist, an eye doctor,

and a foot doctor. The following are some good guidelines to follow:

Daily:

• Test blood sugar daily (or multiple times per day) as recommended

by your doctor

• Check your feet daily as well as a comprehensive foot exam annually

• Follow a regular exercise program

• Follow a smart meal plan

Every 6 Months:

• HbA1C test every 6 months (more often if you are on insulin or

having trouble controlling blood sugar)

• Dental exam every 6 months

• Discuss blood sugar at every doctor visit

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Once a Year:

• Blood test for lipids and serum creatinine checked annually

• Micro albumin/creatinine ratio checked annually

• Dilated eye exam annually

• Comprehensive foot exam annually

• Flu vaccine annually and pneumonia vaccine once in lifetime

When examining your feet daily, check for any changes. Look for cuts, sores,

blisters or any unusual signs. Report changes right away to your doctor. If you

have difficulty checking your feet ask a family member or friend to help.

Do’s Don’ts

• Daily- test blood sugar, examine your feet, exercise, follow meal plan

• Every 6 months- A1C test, dental exam, regular doctor visits

• Once a year– blood tests, dilated eye exam

• Don’t test your blood sugar less than your doctor recommends

• Don’t skip doctors’ appointments

• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol in excess

Tip

Create a list of goals with your doctor then work on just one at a time until you’ve got it down.

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D I A B E T E S C A R E H A N D B O O K16

Avoiding Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) When your blood sugar drops too low (<70 mg/dl), this is called hypoglycemia.

The symptoms can include: nausea, dizziness, sweating, irritability, shakiness,

hunger, weakness, confusion, blurred vision, headache, and fatigue.

Hypoglycemia can be caused by taking too much insulin or other diabetes

medications, doing more activity than usual, not eating enough or skipping meals,

or drinking alcohol without eating food.

How to Avoid Low Blood Sugar:

• Don’t skip meals

• Check your blood sugar before doing an activity. Eat a snack if needed

• Take your prescribed amount of medicine each day, and be careful

not to repeat a dose you’ve already taken

Do’s Don’ts

• When < 70 mg/dl, eat 15 carbs

• Check your blood sugar before doing an activity

• Take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor

• Don’t overeat carbs when low. This will cause your blood sugar to spike later

• Don’t skip meals

• Don’t repeat a dose accidentally

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Sweating

• Irritability

• Shakiness

• Hunger

• Weakness

• Confusion

• Blurred Vision

• Headache

• Fatigue

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If blood sugar is <70 mg/dl then eat another 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. Then repeat

Hypoglycemia is a serious condition that requires prompt attention.

If your blood sugar is below 70 mg/dl, eat 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Some examples of 15 grams of carbohydrates include: 3 to 4 glucose

tablets, 2 graham cracker squares, 1 cup milk, ½ cup fruit juice, or ½ can of

regular soda. Test your blood sugar 15 minutes after eating or drinking the

carbohydrates. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dl, then eat or

drink 15 more grams of carbohydrates. Repeat testing blood sugar and

eating every 15 minutes until your blood sugar is above 70 mg/dl.

Call your health care provider if your blood sugar stays below 70 mg/dl or

if you do not feel better when your blood sugar is in normal range. Note

your symptoms and blood sugars in a log to show your health care

provider at your next visit. Always carry glucose tablets with you, and

wear your identification bracelet that says you have diabetes.

Foods to Treat Low Blood Sugar:

• 3-4 Glucose Tablets

• 2 Graham Cracker Squares

• 1 Cup of Milk

• 1/2 Cup Fruit Juice

• 1/2 Can of Regular Soda

If blood sugar is >70 mg/dl then consider eating a snack or meal to help stabilize your blood sugar

Wait for 15 minutes then recheck blood sugar

When your blood sugar is <70 mg/dl, eat or drink 15 grams of fast-acting

carbohydrates

• 15g glucose powder/powered

sugar in water

• 1 tablespoon of honey/jam

• 1/2 glass fruit juice or soft drink

Rule of 15

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D I A B E T E S C A R E H A N D B O O K18

Reducing Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)Hyperglycemia is blood sugar that is higher than the target range set by your

doctor. Blood sugars >130 mg/dl before meals and >180 mg/dl 2 hours after meals are

generally considered high. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include: increased urination,

thirst, and hunger, blurry vision, dry skin, and drowsiness.

Some causes of hyperglycemia include: increased eating, stress, decreased exercise,

illness, infection, and not taking the correct amount of diabetes medication.

How to Avoid High Blood Sugar:

• Take your medicine as directed by your doctor

• Follow a meal plan

• Be physically active

• Cope with stress

Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

• Increased Urination

• Increased Thirst

• Increased Hunger

• Blurry Vision

• Dry Skin

• Drowsiness

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How to Treat High Blood Sugar:

• Follow a plan you set up with your doctor or diabetes educator

• Drink sugar-free drinks and have fewer snacks

• Take extra medicine, based off your doctor’s instructions

Some people have no symptoms of hyperglycemia, so it is very important to

test blood sugar regularly and keep a log of blood sugars to show your health

care provider. Never hesitate to call your health care provider if your blood

sugar is running higher than you think it should be.

Do’s Don’ts

• Take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor

• Follow a meal plan

• Exercise daily

• Cope with stress

• Don’t skip insulin shots or pills

• Don’t overeat

• Don’t stress over high blood sugar; fix it, then try to avoid it next time

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D I A B E T E S C A R E H A N D B O O K20

Sick Day CareFlus, colds, and other illnesses can cause blood sugars to rise. When you have an

illness, it is very important to test your blood sugar every 2 to 4 hours and to drink at

least 8 oz. of sugar free liquids per hour while awake. Take your diabetes medications

as directed. If you cannot keep food down and your blood sugar is high, try sugar

free liquids, sugar free gelatin, or clear soups. If your blood sugar is low try crackers,

regular soda, or applesauce.

If you have Type 1 diabetes and have a blood sugar >250 mg/dl, check your urine for

ketones, and call your doctor if moderate to large ketones are present. Also call your

doctor if your blood sugars do not go down with medication, you are vomiting, you

have diarrhea longer than 6 hours, you have trouble breathing, you cannot think

clearly, or you cannot take care of yourself. If your blood sugar is >300 mg/dl, your

blood sugar won’t come down, and if you can’t reach your doctor, call 911 or go to

the emergency room, and tell them that you have diabetes. Be sure to tell a family

member whenever you are sick, and if possible have someone stay with you.

Plan Ahead In Case Of An Emergency:

• Have extra supplies on hand in case you need to test your blood sugar more than normal

• Have a plan for adjusting your medicine that is approved by your doctor

• Have emergency numbers available for doctors and family and friends

• Make sure family and friends know your plan

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Risk FactorsHigh blood sugars from diabetes can cause damage to vessels in the eyes, kidneys,

heart, and nerves. Many people with Type 2 diabetes have high blood sugars for years

before they are diagnosed. Some of the complications caused by high blood sugars

include: retinopathy (blurred vision), kidney disease, heart attacks, strokes, numbness

in legs, feet, and hands, sexual dysfunction, and gum disease. High blood pressure

and smoking can make these complications worse.

To avoid or delay these complications, it is important to test your blood sugars

regularly and keep your blood sugars in the target range set by your health care

provider. Living healthy on all fronts will improve your quality of life and

overall happiness.

Do’s Don’ts

• Test blood sugar regularly

• Stick with a healthy meal plan

• Exercise regularly

• Don’t forget to take your medication

• Don’t cancel a doctor’s appointment if you think you’re doing poorly. Your doctor will help you get back on track

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D I A B E T E S C A R E H A N D B O O K22

Coping with DiabetesDiabetes is a complicated and sometimes overwhelming disease. Living with diabetes

every day is challenging and can sometimes make you feel stressed or depressed.

With some help and support you can feel better about yourself and your ability to

manage your diabetes. The emotions that you feel when you are first diagnosed

with diabetes usually get better over time.

Accepting that you will have diabetes and that you will need to take care of it for the

rest of your life is difficult. Some people have more trouble than others accepting their

diagnosis but this doesn’t make it go away. If you are not making positive changes in

your lifestyle or following a treatment plan for your diabetes, you are at risk for having

other health problems as a result. Talking to someone about how you feel can help.

You may learn that living with diabetes is not as complicated as you thought. Great

improvements have been made over recent years to treat diabetes. Family, friends,

clergy and your diabetes team are just some of the people available to lend an

ear and give you support. You don’t have to go it alone.

Do’s Don’ts

• Be happy • Don’t let diabetes control your life; you take control of your diabetes

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There are many options available that may help you feel better about managing your stress level. Some of these resources include:

• Become aware of the things that cause you to feel stressed and

try to avoid the situations that you can.

• Learn ways to relax. Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing

and progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, yoga, massage

or meditation.

• Spend time with people that you enjoy, that make you laugh and feel happy.

• Be physically active, go for a walk. Aerobic activity can reduce anxiety by 50%.

• Find a hobby that you enjoy. Perhaps look for others that enjoy the

same hobby such as a knitting club, reading group, or exercise class.

• Talk to a friend or family member. Sometimes it helps just to

have someone listen.

• Make a list of things you need to do and work on them one at a time.

Don’t try to complete the whole list all at once. Pace yourself and

take time to relax.

• Join a diabetes support group.

• You have a fever higher than 101.5° F or a fever that lasts for more

than 24 hours.

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D I A B E T E S C A R E H A N D B O O K24

When to Call Your Healthcare ProviderYou’re Sick, And…

• You’ve been sick or have had a fever for a couple of days and

aren’t getting better.

• You’ve been vomiting or having diarrhea for more than 6 hours.

• You have a fasting blood glucose level of 240 mg/dL or higher for

more than 24 hours.

• You have moderate to large amounts of ketones in your urine.

If you can’t reach your healthcare provider, get emergency care.

• You begin to notice problems like confusion or dehydration

(symptoms of dehydration include a decrease in urine output,

dry mouth and skin, and dry sunken eyes).

• You aren’t sure what to do to take care of yourself.

You Have Hyperglycemia, And…

• You can’t control your hyperglycemia, in spite of talking action to correct it.

• You have 2 or 3 readings in a row with results of 240 mg/dL or higher.

• You have more than 2 unexplained episodes of hyperglycemia in a week.

• You have repeated high glucose readings during a particular time of day.

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You Have Hypoglycemia, And…

• You can’t control your hypoglycemia, in spite of talking action to correct it.

• You have 2 or 3 readings in a row with results of 70 mg/dL or less.

• You have more than 2 unexpected episodes of hyperglycemia in a week.

• You have repeated low glucose readings during a particular time of day.

Also Consider Calling If…

• You’re pregnant or think of becoming pregnant.

• You have questions about the goals of your treatment.

• You have questions or concerns about self-management.

• You have recurring stomach or digestion problems

• You have foot problems such as sores on your feet,

thickened or ingrown toenails, or cold, tingling, or puffy feet.

• You have tooth or gum problems, such as bleeding or tender

gums or persistent bad breath.

• You feel depressed or other emotional difficulties.

Tip

Keep a list of questions that arise during struggles with your diabetes. Discuss them with your doctor at your next appointment.

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D I A B E T E S C A R E H A N D B O O K26

Join Our Supportive, Caring Online CommunityDiabetic Connect is the largest online support community for people with diabetes

and their caregivers. It is always FREE to join the community and you can meet many

others who know exactly what it’s like to deal with the highs and lows of living with

diabetes. Some of the things you’ll enjoy on the site include:

• Recipes: Browse through hundreds of diabetes-friendly recipes that have been

shared by experts and other members.

• Connect with Others: Find support, understanding, and encouragement—

especially on those days when you are short on motivation.

• Tips and Advice: Enjoy up-to-date information to help you make healthier

choices every day.

• Ask Questions, Find Answers: Because diabetes affects each person differently,

our community provides you a great place to share your experiences and find

answers to your questions.

Visit www.DiabeticConnect.com today!

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27

The Benefits of Using Diabetic Connect Testing Supplies ServiceDiabetic Connect improves the lives of diabetics by providing them

with quality management and testing supplies and shipping them

every month right to their home. Diabetic Connect also helps save

out-of-pocket expenses by maximizing their insurance benefit, making

sure proper supplies are being used for optimal savings.

SAVE MONEY on supplies and out-of-pocket expenses.

SAVE TIME with FREE home delivery. No waiting in line at the pharmacy.

SOEASY! We do the work for you.

Sign up today and start enjoying free home delivery!

Call Toll Free 1.877.215.0452to talk to a diabetes specialist.

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Call Toll Free 1.877.215.0452

Diabetes Supplies Made Easy

www.DiabeticConnect.com

This booklet is intended for general information only. The contents represent the views and opinions of the

authors. Diabetic Connect is not responsible for any errors or omissions contained herein. This booklet is not

intended to constitute medical advice. Readers should direct any medical questions to a competent health care

professional. Individuals are recommended to consult with their physician before modifying their treatments,

beginning an exercise program or changing their diet. Diabetic Connect assumes no responsibility for the

misuse or incorrect use of any information contained herein.

©2014 Diabetic Connect. All Rights Reserved.

The Diabetic Connect design is a registered trademark of Diabetic Connect