Diabetes occurs in the body when the balance between the hormone insulin and ingested glucose fails. Insulin helps the body make use of ingested glucose by helping to get it into the cells of the body, where it can be used as energy for normal body function. Left untreated, diabetes can cause serious and life-threatening health problems. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce insulin. Type 2 occurs when the body does not react to blood sugar appropriately, leading to glucose buildup in the blood. Illnesses such as kidney disease, eye diseases and neurological problems occur when glucose levels remain high for a long period of time.
Step 1
Monitor your blood glucose levels. When your doctor first diagnoses you with diabetes, he will order a blood sugar monitor for you. This small machine calculates the level or glucose in your body. You prick your finger with a device called a lancet, then place a drop of blood on a test strip. Insert the test strip into the machine and wait for results. You need to do this at least once per day, although the doctor may order you to do it more often. To understand the highs and lows of your blood sugars, you need to monitor it. Keep a daily log of your blood sugars to provide information to the doctor about your progress controlling the disease.
Step 2
Lose weight. Obesity can trigger the onset of type 2 diabetes. You need to lose weight for your blood sugar to become stabilized, the American Diabetes Association indicates. Losing weight will make you feel better and also help the doctor successfully treat your diabetes. When you lose weight, it helps decrease the amount of blood sugar.
Step 3
Take prescribed medications. The doctor usually will prescribe medicines to help balance the insulin and sugar in your body. These may include metformin, which acts to remove excess sugar, or other medicines such as glyburide, sitagliptin or pioglitazone, which increase insulin production. You need to take the medications your doctor has ordered for you every day, the American Diabetes Association indicates. You cannot skip doses just because you feel better.
Step 4
Examine your feet frequently and make certain your doctor does an examination of them at every visit. A very important part of diabetic health has to do with foot care, the American Diabetes Association indicates. Sores can develop in the feet and nerve damage called neuropathy can occur there, too. Sores can take longer to heal and require special treatments for diabetics. Neuropathy is irreversible and causes severe pain. Examining your feet will help detect problems early.
Things You'll Need
- Blood sugar monitor
- Medications
